Chapter 9. Quantifier comprehension in Brazilian Portuguese and the extra-object visual effect

Abstract

Universal quantifiers are complex for children to comprehend, and over-exhaustive errors can occur even with adults in sentence-picture verification tasks. This paper addresses visual design factors that may explain these difficulties. We examine what we call the “single extra object attraction hypothesis” (SEOH), according to which the visual prominence of a uniquely unpaired extra object compromises attentional resources during these tasks. We manipulated the type of extra-object – single or double – in an eye-tracking experiment with adult speakers of Brazilian Portuguese. Contrary to the SEOH prediction, double objects gave rise to earlier and longer fixations than single objects. There was no difference in accuracy. We discuss the implications of these results for developmental research.