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Automaticity in reading and the Stroop task: testing the limits of involuntary word processing
Tracy L Brown1, Kelly Joneleit, Cathy S Robinson
1Department of Psychology, CPO#1960, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Asheville, NC 28804, USA. TLBrown@unca.edu
The American Journal of Psychology
|January 9, 2003
Summary
The Stroop effect, or involuntary word reading, is reduced but not eliminated by single-letter formats. Spatial attention, not orthographic processing, influences this reduction in skilled performance.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Experimental Psychology
Background:
- The Stroop task is a classic measure of selective attention and cognitive control.
- The automaticity of word reading is often inferred from the Stroop effect.
- Previous research suggested a single-letter format might eliminate the Stroop effect.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the parameters of involuntary word reading in the Stroop task.
- To test the claim that a single-letter format eliminates the Stroop effect.
- To explore the mechanisms (spatial attention, orthographic processing) underlying Stroop effect reduction.
Main Methods:
- Seven experiments were conducted, manipulating response modality and trial types.
- The single-letter format was employed to reduce interference.
- Spatial attention and orthographic processing were investigated as potential mediators.
Main Results:
- The single-letter format reduced, but did not eliminate, Stroop effects across experiments.
- Spatial attention played a role in the reduced Stroop effect, while orthographic processing did not.
- Involuntary word reading persisted even under conditions favoring selective processing.
Conclusions:
- The single-letter format does not abolish involuntary word reading.
- Spatial attention is a key factor in modulating Stroop interference.
- The involuntariness criterion remains a valid indicator of automaticity in skilled word reading.