A matter of time: Implicit acquisition of recursive sequence structures

A dominant hypothesis in empirical research on the evolution of language is the following: the fundamental difference between animal and human communication systems is captured by the distinction between regular and more complex non-regular grammars. Studies reporting successful artificial grammar learning of nested recursive structures and imaging studies of the same have methodological shortcomings since they typically allow explicit problem solving strategies and this has been shown to account for the learning effect in subsequent behavioral studies. The present study overcomes these shortcomings by using subtle violations of agreement structure in a preference classification task. In contrast to the studies conducted so far, we use an implicit learning paradigm, allowing the time needed for both abstraction processes and consolidation to take place. Our results demonstrate robust implicit learning of recursively embedded structures (context-free grammar) and recursive structures with cross-dependencies (context-sensitive grammar) in an artificial grammar learning task spanning 9 days. Keywords: Implicit artificial grammar learning; centre embedded; cross-dependency; implicit learning; context-sensitive grammar; context-free grammar; regular grammar; non-regular gramma

O efeito da norma subjetiva, percepção de controlo, atitude e experiência passada na intenção de compra de marcas de roupa de luxo no Brasil

SCIELO:S2182-84582014000300013 (Nº de Acesso Web of Science)The main goal of this study is to extend the theory of planned behaviour by introducing past experiences as antecedents of behavioural intentions and to test this model in the context of luxury consumption. In this vein, the Brazilian luxury market, more specifically in the São Paulo area, was selected due to its growing presence on the world stage of luxury products. Therefore, an online questionnaire was constructed based on a literature review, and data were collected. The findings suggest that attitude and perceived behaviour control are more important to explain word-of-mouth, whereas past experience, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms significantly impact willingness to pay more. The consumers most willing to pay more for a luxury brand are also more willing to continue to buy such brands in the near future