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Differential effects of viewing positions on standard versus semantic Stroop interference
Ludovic Ferrand1, Maria Augustinova
1CNRS and University Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire de Psychologie Sociale et Cognitive (LAPSCO-UMR CNRS 6024), 34, avenue Carnot, 63037, Clermont-Ferrand, France, ludovic.ferrand@univ-bpclermont.fr.
Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
|September 5, 2013
Summary
Fixating on the end of a word reduces, but does not eliminate, Stroop interference. This suggests initial word-end fixation primarily lessens response competition, rather than suppressing reading.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Perception
Background:
- Previous research suggested initial fixation at a word's end prevents reading, thereby eliminating Stroop interference.
- The original studies confounded semantic and response conflict dimensions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of initial fixation position on Stroop interference.
- To differentiate between semantic and response conflict in the Stroop task.
- To re-examine the reading suppression hypothesis.
Main Methods:
- A semantically based Stroop paradigm was employed.
- Vocal responses were used instead of manual responses.
- Two conflict dimensions (semantic vs. response) were separated.
Main Results:
- Standard Stroop interference was reduced but not eliminated when fixating at the word's end.
- Isolated semantic interference remained significant and was unaffected by viewing position.
- Vocal responses showed greater interference compared to manual responses.
Conclusions:
- The initial interpretation that word-end fixation suppresses reading is unlikely.
- Initial fixation at the end of a word primarily reduces nonsemantic response competition.
- Semantic interference is independent of initial viewing position.
