Investigates the time course of predictive inferences by using naming and word reading times. Explains the setup and results of two different experiments. Suggests that predictive inferences occur online, but require time to be drawn and are initially encoded to some degree, but completed later. (PA)

Examines encoding differences between bridging and predictive inferences in four experiments. Suggests that bridging inferences are encoded into the textbase, whereas predictive inferences are not--predictive inferences are held in working memory, perhaps as part of the reader's situation model. (PA)

Investigates conditions that enable viewers to predict future events while viewing a movie. Hypothesizes that predictions about future events can be supported by visual, auditory, and discursive information. Interprets data from two experiments in terms of pragmatic and causal factors in comprehension. (PA)

Finds that perceptual identification of target words explicitly presented was significantly higher than that of new targets and that targets inferred to maintain coherence and targets predicted by the text were identified as well as explicit targets and significantly better than targets schematically appropriate to the text. (SR)

Concludes that, whereas inference processing may be impeded by the relative lack of familiarity of the content of expository text, it is not strictly precluded. Indicates rather that inference processing in the comprehension of expository text is regulated by the information-processing constraints of the reading task and by the discourse and…

Investigates whether individual differences in working-memory (WM) capacity are related to the ways readers use inferences to facilitate text comprehension. Finds several differences between low-memory-span and high-memory-span readers. Notes that readers with adequate WM capacity can keep interpretations open ended and await more information from…

States that although the think-aloud method (TAM) is being used with increasing frequency in studying text comprehension, some skepticism of its value remains. Discusses assumptions behind TAM, aspects of comprehension it can reveal, and directions for research using TAM. Argues that TAM is a useful technique for tracking changes in the contents…

Investigates effects of prior knowledge on learning from high- and low-coherence history texts. Examines participants' comprehension in two experiments. Finds high-knowledge readers performed better on open-ended questions after reading low-coherence text. Indicates that low-coherence text requires more inference processes--these inferences are…

Compares preschool and first grade children's ability to make three types of inferences: script-based inferences, invited inferences, and logical inferences. Finds preschoolers better able to make script-based inferences and first graders better able to draw script-based and invited inferences. Suggests that children's ability to draw inferences…

Investigates conscious understanding during narrative comprehension as revealed through use of think-aloud methodology. Presents an analytical model of conscious understanding. Identifies three working memory operations in the protocols--operations which are functionally necessary to inferences in the protocols. Discusses data and current models…

Describes a recursive transition network model that analyzes and represents a story as a causal network of categorized clauses and labeled relations. Reports on two experiments using procedural criteria to identify inferences and the assumptions that inferences operate over distances in the text and are transitive, resulting in a network…

Determines the nature of time constraints under which readers generate superordinate goal inferences. Provides support for a global-coherence model of inference generation which argues for the importance of causal information in constructing a coherent text representation. (HB)

Investigates the hypothesis that one of the processes used in situation model development is an inferential process in which the reader employs knowledge to form expectations when predictive text opportunities arise. Suggests that predictions are available to the reader at an abstract level of representation. (HB)

Outlines three basic views of how readers infer causal connections and how they generate causal inferences. Evaluates these three hypotheses with reference to current research in the field. (HB)

Discusses the differences among current researchers interested in inferences, including the types of inferences studied and the methodologies used. Presents a theoretical and methodological framework for organizing empirical investigations of inferential processes of reading. (HB)