Memory and inference in the comprehension of oral and written discourse∗

Abstract

Three different inference types are considered in this paper: Propositional inferences which are necessary by virtue of the structure of the statements; Enabling inferences which are necessary by virtue of the structure of the discourse as a whole; and Pragmatic inferences which are invited by the content of the statements. In the first study, children from grades 4 and 6 were found to be able to differentiate between Pragmatic and Propositional inferences. In the second study, grade 5 children were found to differentiate Proposition and Enabling inferences from Pragmatic inferences. This ability to differentiate necessary from invited inferences was found to develop with age and ability. The children derived the inferences from either oral or written statements and narratives. Listening as opposed to reading was found to affect inference production. Readers were better able to verify statements referring to incidental story details. Listeners were better able to verify statements referring to the gist or meaning of the narrative.