Good-enough representation in plural and singular pronominal reference: Modulating the Conjunction Cost

When two individuals have been linked by a connective, a complex reference object is formed, and subsequent reference by plural anaphors rather than singular ones is preferred. Two reading time and one text change detection study were carried out to examine further the details of the representation of singular and plural objects under these circumstances. The normal conjunction cost associated with subsequently referring to one of the individuals by a singular pronoun is eliminated in circumstances where for the purposes of communication there is nothing to be gained from a singular/plural distinction. The findings fit with current views of shallow, good-enough processing, in which semantic distinctions in mental representations are only made when functionally necessary.