Developmental Changes in Cross‐Situational Word Learning: The Inverse Effect of Initial Accuracy. (3rd November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fitneva, Stanka A.; Christiansen, Morten H.
• Is Part Of: Cognitive science. Volume 41(2017)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 161
• Publication Date: 2015-11-03
• Subjects: Language development -- Cross‐situational learning -- Disfluency -- Statistical learning -- Prediction‐based learning; Cognition -- Periodicals; Psycholinguistics -- Periodicals; Artificial intelligence -- Periodicals; 153.05
• DOI: 10.1111/cogs.12322
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0364-0213

Abstract

Abstract: Intuitively, the accuracy of initial word‐referent mappings should be positively correlated with the outcome of learning. Yet recent evidence suggests an inverse effect of initial accuracy in adults, whereby greater accuracy of initial mappings is associated with poorer outcomes in a cross‐situational learning task. Here, we examine the impact of initial accuracy on 4‐year‐olds, 10‐year‐olds, and adults. For half of the participants most word‐referent mappings were initially correct and for the other half most mappings were initially incorrect. Initial accuracy was positively related to learning outcomes in 4‐year‐olds, had no effect on 10‐year‐olds' learning, and was inversely related to learning outcomes in adults. Examination of item learning patterns revealed item interdependence for adults and 4‐year‐olds but not 10‐year‐olds. These findings point to a qualitative change in language learning processes over development.