Differential use of Transitional Probabilities and Frequency in Statistical Learning of Pseudowords

Description

The ability to learn transitional probabilities (TPs) and frequency is central to language processing. Current evidence indicates that both frequency and transitional probability are involved in the memorization of sequences, but the questions of which prevails and why it would prevail in statistical learning remain unclear. The present study investigated the respective roles of transitional probability and frequency in statistical learning of pseudowords in two different tasks that focused on either prediction or recognition. The learning phase consisted of the repeated presentation of sixteen three-syllable pseudowords for which participants were asked to perform a target detection task on vowels (fully predictable based on TPs). The evolution of the rate of correct answer and response times during the learning phase was recorded. After the detection task, a two-alternative forced-choice task (2AFC) required participants to choose between a pseudoword and a lure. Results indicated a prevalence of TPs during the detection task, but a prevalence of frequency during the 2AFC task. Our findings suggests that TPs and frequency can be used flexibly depending on which process (learning or recognition) is more adapted to the task.

Abstract

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