The effect ofsome andall on reaction time for semantic decisions

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Psycholinguistics
• Semantic Memory Research

Background:

• Meyer's (1970) model proposed an explanation for semantic memory statement verification times.
• The model focused on quantifiers like 'all' and 'some'.
• Previous findings supporting Meyer's model may have been artifactual.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test Meyer's (1970) model of semantic memory verification.
• To investigate the influence of quantifiers ('all' vs. 'some') on statement verification times.
• To examine the role of predicate production frequency in statement verification.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments were conducted using semantic memory statements with 'all' and 'some' quantifiers.
• Participants verified positive and negative subset statements.
• False statements with real words and pseudowords were used.
• Predicate completion tasks assessed production frequency.

Main Results:

• Positive subset statements were verified faster with 'all' than 'some'.
• Negative subset statements showed the reverse pattern.
• Sentences with pseudowords were rejected more slowly.
• Verification times were predictable by predicate production frequency.

Conclusions:

• Findings contradict Meyer's (1970) model, suggesting earlier results were artifactual.
• Predicate production frequency, not just the quantifier, influences verification speed.
• The model needs revision to account for these observed effects.