Analysis of eye movements during generalized recombinative reading: a cross-cultural validation with Portuguese speakers from Brazil and Portugal.

Abstract

Combinative generalization in reading involves rearranging minimal units, such as letters and syllables, taught previously, in isolation, to form new words, while recombinative reading occurs when readers can read new words from the abstraction of minimal units involved (but not taught directly) in other learned words. Artificial linguistic systems in miniature allow us to study recombinative reading as a generative process, controlling the ceiling effect and enabling the analysis of the control exerted by stimuli promoting intermediate performances. This study will replicate Hanna et al. (2011), evaluating a teaching and assessment reading program with six cycles, incorporanting a cross-culturally validation of both the artificial system and general research protocol, with 20 Portuguese speakers from Brazil and 20 from Portugal (adults with typical development considering school history and normal vision). We aim at investigating generalized recombinative reading and the formation of equivalence classes, using behavioral and eye movement measures.