Using a forced-choice question-answering paradigm, K. Christianson, A. Hollingworth, J. F. Halliwell, and F. Ferreira (2001) showed that the original misinterpretation built during the analysis of a garden-path sentence lingers even after reanalysis has occurred. However, their methodology has been questioned (R. P. G. van Gompel, M. J. Pickering, J. Pearson, & G. Jacob, 2006). In this study, the authors report evidence for lingering misinterpretations using a paraphrasing methodology, which is less biased than previous methodologies. Using paraphrasing, they found that garden-path sentences are paraphrased according to a partially reanalyzed interpretation. This finding suggests that the arguments put forward by Christianson et al. are correct: Comprehenders' final interpretations of sentences are often incorrect and do not correspond to the initial input. These findings support the theory that comprehension can occur in a "good-enough" manner (F. Ferreira, V. Ferraro, & K. G. D. Bailey, 2002; F. Ferreira & N. Patson, 2007).

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Recent advancements in microwave technology have greatly reduced the prices of microwave circuit hardware and signal processing (digitization components). Using a combination of purchased (refurbished) and existing hardware, a "new" research-grade FTMW spectrometer has been constructed with minimal investment. This instrument has the capability to include multiple microwave excitations/collections (FIDs) on a single gas pulse. These features are hardware controlled, but can easily be integrated into software routines. Testing has been performed to minimize the necessary circuit components while also maximizing signal fidelity. Operation of the instrument, including tests with OCS and Benzonitrile, will be discussed.

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The molecules 1,1-difluorosilacyclopent-3-ene (3SiCPF2) and silacyclopent-3-ene (3SiCP) have been synthesized and studied using chirped pulse, Fourier transform microwave (CP-FTMW) spectroscopy. For 3SiCP this is the first ever microwave study of...

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While rotational spectroscopy has become a more prominent field within the past few decades, few laboratory exercises exist that introduce students at the undergraduate level to the concepts and instrumentation used within the field. Here, a physical chemistry laboratory involving the analysis of benzonitrile with a newly renovated Balle-Flygare type, Fourier Transform microwave spectrometer (FTMW) is introduced as one such exercise. The analysis of benzonitrile is ideally suited for an undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory because it is easily carried out within one laboratory period and involves a comprehensive introduction into the world of rotational spectroscopy. Within this laboratory, students have the opportunity to perform quantum chemical calculations for accurate molecular structure, accrue spectra on a research grade FTMW, and construct an effective Hamiltonian inclusive of nuclear electric quadrupole coupling for transition assignment using analysis software commonly available to the spectroscopic community. Within this thesis, the design, implementation, and the students' response to this laboratory will be discussed along with all modifications made to the FTMW.