In the present paper, a primary-secondary task paradigm is presented for estimating the amount of processing capacity required for correct production of stimulus words that differ in linguistic complexity. The procedure requires subjects to produce the desired target word (primary task) while performing a manual reaction time task (secondary task). The secondary task consists of pressing a hand switch in response to an auditory tone that occurs at the start of the target-word production. The amount of processing capacity needed for correct production is estimated by the reaction time to the tone. Preliminary data are presented and methodological issues and questions for research are discussed.
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