| Publication Abstract Display | | Type: Published Abstract | | Title: Degree of bilingualism predicts interference scores on a Spanish version of the Stroop Test. | | Authors: Suarez P, Gollan T, Artiola i Fortuny L, Grant I, Heaton R, Cherner M, and the HNRC Group | | Year: 2010 | | Publication: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society | | Volume: 16 Issue: S1 Pages: 4 | | Abstract:Objective:
Studies have shown reduced Stroop interference in bilinguals compared to monolinguals defined dichotomously, but no study has explored how varying degree of second language fluency, as may occur in immigrant groups, might affect linguistic inhibitory control. We examined effects of English fluency on the ability to inhibit the automatic reading response on the Golden Stroop Test administered in Spanish.
Participants and Method:
Participants were 75 female and 73 male adult native Spanish speakers from the U.S. Mexico border region. Years of education ranged from 7 to 20 (M=12.5, SD=3.2), and age ranged from 20 to 63 (M=37, SD=9.5). Degree of bilingualism was calculated as the ratio of English words to total words produced in both languages using the Controlled Oral Word Association Test with letters PMR in Spanish and FAS in English. Effects of English fluency on the Stroop Test were examined with linear regression including the bilingualism index and years of education as predictors.
Results:
Bilingualism index, ranging from 0 to .67 (median= 0.37), and education were significantly correlated (r= .40, p< 0001). However, stronger bilingualism but not higher education, predicted better speed on the interference trial (β= 16.6, p= 0.003), and better interference ratio scores (β= 11.22, p= 0.02). On the other hand, neither variable entered into a regression equation, predicted more simple processing speed, as measured by the word reading and color-naming trials.
Conclusion:
Consistent with the Inhibitory Control Theory, greater bilingualism was predictive of better inhibition, as measured by the color-word trial and interference ratio. Greater bilingualism resulted in better suppression of the automatic reading response, independently of education. Further studies are needed to determine whether bilingualism improves suppression, or whether people with better suppression are more likely to become bilingual, or both. Possible other background advantages not captured by education should also be examined. |
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