A Computer tool for constructing and integrating inferences into text representations

We present a new computer tool for modeling inference generation processes in text comprehension. With this tool, an explicit inference statement is constructed by marker passing in a joint text and knowledge base and a subsequent compilation process. In addition, the tool can be applied to describe knowledge integration processes, which can produce spatial, causal, and other types of representations. Because the system provides explicit accounts for reproductive and creative inferencing, it exceeds the functionality of previous simulations in text research. Text researchers can employ this system as a common ground for comparing their different positions on inferencing in a more precise manner.