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Graphemic complexity and multiple print-to-sound associations in visual word recognition
1LEAD-CNRS, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France. arnaud.rey@u-bourgogne.fr
Memory & Cognition
|May 27, 2005
Summary
Words with complex graphemes are processed slower than simple ones, even when print-to-sound consistency is controlled. Graphemic complexity and regularity effects are independent in written word processing.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Psycholinguistics
- Computational linguistics
Background:
- Previous research suggests words with multiletter graphemes are processed slower than single-letter grapheme words.
- The influence of graphemic complexity on word processing speed requires further investigation, particularly concerning its independence from other linguistic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the graphemic complexity effect in word processing.
- To determine if the graphemic complexity effect is independent of print-to-sound associations (regularity/consistency).
- To examine the cumulative effects of graphemic complexity and regularity.
Main Methods:
- Perceptual identification task used in Experiment 1 and 2.
- Naming task used in Experiment 3.
- Controlled for multiple print-to-sound associations (regularity/consistency) to isolate the graphemic complexity effect.
Main Results:
- The graphemic complexity effect was observed in a perceptual identification task, even when controlling for regularity.
- Cumulative effects of graphemic complexity and regularity were found.
- These findings were replicated in a naming task.
Conclusions:
- Graphemic complexity and multiple print-to-sound associations represent independent factors in written word processing.
- Models of written word processing need to account for these effects separately.
- The study provides evidence for distinct cognitive mechanisms underlying graphemic complexity and regularity effects.