Conversational Implicatures in Counterexample Retrieval: Working Memory and Crystallized Pragmatics

Conditional inference patterns are influenced by the availability of counterexamples. We show that aside of the semantic counterexamples that are stored in long-term memory, there is an additional pool of counterexamples that stem from conversational implicatures. Experiment 1 showed that for young adults the retrieval of pragmatic counterexamples requires working memory resources. Experiment 2 showed that for senior adults (aged 58 to 88) working memory resources were significantly lower. Nonetheless, seniors retrieved at least as many pragmatic counterexamples as young adults. As pragmatic counterexamples are key examples of cultural conventions, it is argued that senior adults compensate for limitations in working memory by relying on their acquired cultural expertise.