| Abstract |
| Maclay and Osgood's theory about filled
pauses (FP's) is described and evidence related to it is summarized. Maclay and
Osgood's own evidence--that FP's occur more often before certain types of word than before
others--is criticised and suggestions made for an improved procedure. Data obtained
by this improved procedure does not show the same tendency as Maclay and Osgood's, i.e.,
filled pauses occur as often before nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, and adjectives as
before other parts of speech. However it is also found that FP's occur more often
than would be expected by chance before pronouns, but less often before nouns, verbs and
adverbs. Some details of individual differences are presented. The
significance of these findings is discussed in the light of Maclay and Osgood's
hypothesis. |
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