Abstract
Sentence structure as measured in terms of the proportion of subordinate propositions in utterances was studied when different degrees of cognitive complexity were involved in responding to verbal tasks, and under drug as well as no drug conditions. Not only does level of cognitive complexity seem to find its reflection in the complexity of sentence structure, but both factors seem to interact with the action of neuroleptic drugs such as chlorpromazine in such a way as to suggest the corrective influence of feedback. The examination of sentence structure in the light of the concomitant hesitation pauses indicates that the hierarchical structuring of sentences is more a matter of linguistic skill than of planning.
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