Showing papers on "Semantic similarity published in 1974"

Semantic Memory and Psychological Semantics

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter presents a theoretical approach to semantic memory, which is applicable to a wide range of semantic phenomena. The chapter discusses the topic of semantic memory in psycholinguistic perspective and then demonstrates how semantic propositions are verified. A semantic feature representation is first assumed, which distinguishes between defining and characteristic features. This representation is then coupled with a two-stage processing model, and then the resulting Feature Comparison model is applied to the results of studies requiring the verification of simple subset statements. This model offers an explicit explanation of semantic relatedness and category size effects in this paradigm. The Feature Comparison model is then extended to accommodate findings from recent Same-Different experiments. The extended model proves capable of encompassing a range of semantic relatedness findings, including some newly reported effects which seem problematic for other models. The basic Feature Comparison model is applied for the verification of simple property statements. While the representation of property information necessitates several new structural and processing considerations, the basic model provides an explanation of various semantic effects on verification.

Semantic distance effects in naming superordinates.

Abstract: The time to select a superordinate label in response to a target word is shown to be a function of the normative likelihood of the target being produced as an exemplar of the superordinate. This extends the scope of semantic distance effects to a new task situation. The effect declines with practice (repetition) and is also reduced by other preceding tasks. Two alternative accounts of the processing underlying selection are discussed.

Recall of related and unrelated word pairs: test of single-continuum theory of memory

Abstract: Sumna~y.-79 Ss processed semantically related and unrelated pairs of once-exposed concrete nouns, finding either a similarity or difference in the meanings of the paired items. Ss' recall of the second item of each pair when cued with the first was significantly influenced by both pair relationship and the processing task. The findings are interpreted within the framework of Craik and Lockhart's (1972) "level of processing" analysis of memory. Craik and Lockhart (1972) have proposed that memory can be understood as a continuum in which a particular memory trace is seen as a product of perceptual analysis. The persistence of the trace depends upon the depth to which the stimulus has been analyzed. Simply stated, Craik and Lockhart hypothesize that the persistence of the memory trace is a positive function of the level or amount of processing required by the learning task. This single-continuum theory of memory, while similar in many respects to the dominant multi-store theory (Atkinson & Schiffrin, 1968; Waugh & Norman, 1965), is different from the latter in that the memory trace in the multi-store theory is thought to be transferred from one discrete "storage b~n" to another, each bin having its own distinguishing characteristics, e.g., perceptual buffer, short-term memory, long-term memory. The present experiment was designed to test the single-continuum theory of memory proposed by Craik and Lockhart (1972) by presenting Ss with tasks of differing difficulty followed by a retention test for the "processed" items. Method.-Seventy-nine introductory psychology students were instructed to process visually presented word pairs by finding a semantic similarity between items for each of 30 pairs of concrete nouns and a semantic difference between each of a like number of word pairs. Each pair of items was projected upon a movie screen once for a 15-sec. interval. During this interval, Ss recorded the similarity (Sim) or difference (Diff) between items on a sheet of paper. Within each processing task, one half of the pairs consisted of semantically related items (Rel), e.g., shoe: boot, and half consisted of unrelated items (Un), e.g., fence: helicopter. Hence, four cells were formed with 15 pairs in each cell (Rel-Sim, Rel-Diff, Un-Sim, Un-Diff). All 60 word pairs were presented in a single session with the o?set of a new pair contiguous with the offset of the previous pair. Ss were not instructed to try to learn the pairs. It was assumed that finding a similarity between unrelated items or finding a difference between related items required a deeper or more thorough analysis of the semantic features of the words than that required in finding a similarity between related items or a difference between unrelated items. Following presentation of the last pair of items, Ss were given another sheet of paper and instructed to attempt to recall the second member of a pair when shown the first. Each word was projected for eight seconds during which time Ss had to recall and write its paired associate. The onset of each cue was contiguous with the offset of the previous one.

Some Semantic Properties in Sentence Perception.

Abstract: Summary.-Recent developmental and experimental evidence indicates that a semantic strategy prohbly has priority over a linguistic strategy in sentence perception and comprehension by adults. This investigation was carried out under the assumption that differential effects would obtain in semantic strategy when a task is contrived with major constraints on semantic strategy in the context of a constant operztion in syntactic processing. In two studies systematic semantic manipulations were made on the noun in NP, for unmodified transitive sentences which underwent active to passive transformations in a communicatively sterile context. Plurality, single or double syllables, and derivation type (topical) were not significant morphemic variations on the noun in NP.. However, variations of animateness on the noun in NP, constituted significant semantic properties in perceiving sentences that underwent active to passive transformations. Some earlier studies on sentence perception and comprehension by Fodor, Garrett, and Bever (Fodor & Garrett, 1967; Fodor, Garretc, & Bever, 1968) were predicated on the thesis thzt sentences are initially discerned according to syntactic structure and subsequently according to underlying meaning. An analysis of a sentence was thought to follow the psychological sequence of first "breaking" the code of organization or structure and then breaking the code of meaning for each formacive. This sequence in sentence discernment apparently reflected the surface-deep structure descriptive paradigm in the transformational generative theories of grammar. Bever ( 1970, 1973) has recently proposed an alternative hypothesis about syntactic and semantic relztionships in sentence perception and comprehension. He proposed that sentence analysis is initiated with hypotheses about meaning independently of structure but probably co-incident with some hypotheses about structure. ". . . most normal perceptual processing of sentences is probably carried out with little regard to actual sequence or suucture; rather, the basic relational functions (actor-action-object-modifier) are assigned on the basis of temporary ("contingent") and generic ("constant") semantic probabilities" (Bever, 1970, p. 297). T'nis is a description of a semantic strategy in sentence perception and comprehension. The evidence on language development offers some correlative support for a semantic strategy in sentence comprehension possibly above 4 yr. and probably above 8 yr. of age. The developmental evidence actually reveals a curvilinear