Semantic activation during recognition of referential words

SummaryThis paper represents a contribution to the study of the processes of semantic activation during the recognition of referential words, that is, common nouns used to denote real objects. The two experiments reported in the present study have attempted to test the hypothesis of a differential rate of activation of two components of the semantic information activated when a word is presented. These components consist of a perceptually based component and a nonperceptual, more abstract one. The present study has shown that the two components are likely to be activated at different rates. Perceptually based semantic information, probably acquired earlier in the process of the acquisition of word's meaning, seems to be available earlier or with a faster maximum activation effectiveness than information based on abstract or functional properties of the objects to which the words refer.

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