Eye movements in reading span tasks to working memory functions and second language reading

Year 2015, , 35 - 56, 17.09.2015

Cem Alptekin , Gülcan Erçetin

https://doi.org/10.32601/ejal.460617

Cited By: 2

Abstract

In an eye-tracking experiment with late second language (L2) learners, the present study probed into the
relationship between eye-movement (EM) measures and the processing and storage outcomes of reading
span tasks (RST) to determine whether EM patterns actually reflect working memory (WM) functions in
the L2. Additionally, it examined the relationship between WM capacity as indexed by EMs and L2
reading comprehension to explore whether it was possible to map offline and online data as predictors of
L2 reading. The findings reveal that storage performance was negatively affected by fixation durations
within the “critical” region of each sentence, indicating a trade-off between processing and storage.
Additionally, regressions launched from the sentence-final region were negatively related to not only
storage and processing performance but also L2 reading comprehension. These results have implications
regarding whether EMs can be instrumental in validating offline span task outcomes and their
association with L2 reading. 

Keywords

Working memory, eye movements, reading span tasks, L2 reading comprehension

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