When Throwing a Vase Has Multiple Consequences: Minimal Encoding of Predictive Inferencest

Abstract

In three experiments, we investigate the likelihood that predictive inferences are drawn when there is more than one consequence of the predictive context. Whereas a previous set of studies (Klin, Guzmán, & Levine, 1999) showed no facilitation of a naming probe (e.g., break) 500 ms after the predictive context (e.g., Steven threw the delicate vase), in Experiment 1 there was evidence of an inference 1500 ms after the predictive context. However, in Experiment 2, there was no evidence of an inference when the 1500-ms inter-stimulus interval contained additional text. To reduce task demands, the probe task was eliminated in Experiment 3. Readers slowed down on a line that contradicted the targeted inference, suggesting that they drew a predictive inference. We conclude that predictive inferences are more prevalent than has been assumed previously, but they may be minimally encoded when conditions are not optimal.

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