The role of working memory and contextual constraints in children's processing of relative clauses

An auditory sentence comprehension task investigated the extent to which the integration of contextual and structural cues was mediated by verbal memory span with 32 English-speaking 6- to 8-year old children. Spoken relative clause sentences were accompanied by visual context pictures which fully (depicting the actions described within the relative clause) or partially (depicting several referents) met the pragmatic assumptions of relativisation. Comprehension of the main and relative clauses of centre-embedded and right-branching structures was compared for each context. Pragmatically-appropriate contexts exerted a positive effect on relative clause comprehension, but children with higher memory spans demonstrated a further benefit for main clauses. Comprehension for centre-embedded main clauses was found to be very poor, independently of either context or memory span. The results suggest that children have access to adult-like linguistic processing mechanisms, and that sensitivity to extra-linguistic cues is evident in young children and develops as cognitive capacity increases

Consolidation of vocabulary during sleep : the rich get richer?

Sleep plays a role in strengthening new words and integrating them with existing vocabulary knowledge, consistent with neural models of learning in which sleep supports hippocampal transfer to neocortical memory. Such models are based on adult research, yet neural maturation may mean that the mechanisms supporting word learning vary across development. Here, we propose a model in which children may capitalise on larger amounts of slow-wave sleep to support a greater demand on learning and neural reorganisation, whereas adults may benefit from a richer knowledge base to support consolidation. Such an argument is reinforced by the well-reported “Matthew effect”, whereby rich vocabulary knowledge is associated with better acquisition of new vocabulary. We present a meta-analysis that supports this association between children’s existing vocabulary knowledge and their integration of new words overnight. Whilst multiple mechanisms likely contribute to vocabulary consolidation and neural reorganisation across the lifespan, we propose that contributions of existing knowledge should be rigorously examined in developmental studies. Such research has potential to greatly enhance neural models of learning

Graphic imagery is not sufficient for increased attention to cigarette warnings: the role of text captions

Aims The present study aims to assess the extent to which attention to UK cigarette warnings is attributable to the graphic nature of the content. Design A visual dot probe task was utilised, with the warnings serving as critical stimuli that were manipulated for the presence of graphic versus neutral image content, and the accompanying text caption. This mixed design yielded image content (graphic versus neutrally-matched images) and presence (versus absence) of text caption as within subjects variables and smoking status as a between-participants variable. Setting The experiment took place within the laboratories of a UK university. Participants Eighty-six psychology undergraduates (51 smokers, 69 female), predominantly of Caucasian ethnicity took part. Measurements Reaction times towards probes replacing graphic images relative to probes replacing neutral images were utilised to create an index of attentional bias. Findings Bias scores (M = 10.20 ± 2.56) highlighted that the graphic image content of the warnings elicited attentional biases (relative to neutral images) for smokers. This only occurred in the presence of an accompanying text caption t (43) = 3.950, P < 0.001 as opposed to when no caption was present t (43) = 0.029, P = 0.977. Non-smokers showed no biases in both instances. Conclusions Graphic imagery on cigarette packets increases attentional capture, but only when accompanied by a text message about health risks

Countering controversy: a qualitative study of information provision and service organisationa around MMR

Background: Controversy over the mumps-measles-rubella vaccine has reduced uptake, raising concerns of future disease epidemic. Aim: To explore parent’s accounts of decision-making relating to MMR controversy, identifying uptake determinants and education needs. Design of study: Qualitative interviews analysed using the “framework” approach. Setting: Five general practices in the Leeds area, 2002/3. Methods: Sixty-nine interviews conducted with parents of children aged between four and five years, and twelve interviews with primary care practitioners, managers and immunisation co-ordinators serving participating sites. Participants were interviewed one-to-one in a place of their choosing. Results: Vaccination decision is primarily a function of parental assessments of the relative acceptability and likelihood of possible outcomes. Those who decline to vaccinate have observed children with autistic disorders, believe children vaccinated are at risk of the disorders, and associate more negative outcomes with autism than the mumps-measles-rubella diseases. For most parents the evidence of science and medicine play little role in decision. While local GPs and health visitors are trusted information sources, the influence of primary care providers on vaccination decision is limited by concerns over consultation legitimacy, discussion opportunity and perceptions of financial and political partiality. Parents and practitioners identify a need for new approaches to decisions support and learning when faced with this and similar health care controversy. Conclusion: The study identifies new ways in which parents and practitioners need to be supported in order to increasing user understanding of medical science, reduce pressure on routine primary care services, and secure more informed decision in the face of health controversy.</p