Semantic Memory and Psychological Semantics

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.

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