Error-Correction Mechanisms in Language Learning

Modeling Individuals

Bibliographic Data

ID3131297
AuthorsAdnane Ez‐zizi (0000-0002-3495-2048), Dagmar Divjak (0000-0001-6825-8508), Petar Milin (0000-0001-9708-7031)
Year2024
Volume74
Issue1
Pages41-77
Publication date2024-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueLanguage Learning (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0023-8333 • E-ISSN: 1467-9922
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/lang.12569
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited62

Since its first adoption as a computational model for language learning, evidence has accumulated that Rescorla-Wagner error-correction learning (Rescorla & Wagner, 1972) captures several aspects of language processing. Whereas previous studies have provided general support for the Rescorla-Wagner rule by using it to explain the behavior of participants across a range of tasks, we focus on testing predictions generated by the model in a controlled natural language learning task and model the data at the level of the individual learner. By adjusting the parameters of the model to fit the trial-by-trial behavioral choices of participants, rather than fitting a one-for-all model using a single set of default parameters, we show that the model accurately captures participants' choices, time latencies, and levels of response agreement. We also show that gender and working memory capacity affect the extent to which the Rescorla-Wagner model captures language learning

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