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Memory processes underlying long-term semantic priming
Christopher Was1, Dan Woltz2, Dale Hirsch3
1Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA. cwas@kent.edu.
Memory & Cognition
|October 20, 2018
Summary
Long-term semantic priming effects differ based on content. Word meaning priming strengthens semantic memory, while category priming relies on remembering past cognitive operations.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Psycholinguistics
Background:
- Semantic priming research distinguishes short-term and long-term effects.
- Early cognitive models proposed single mechanisms for priming, later models suggested distinct mechanisms for different durations.
- Two explanations for long-term semantic priming exist: strengthened semantic representations or memory for prior cognitive operations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms underlying long-term semantic priming effects.
- To differentiate mechanisms for priming word meanings versus category membership.
- To test whether abstract semantic memory strengthening or memory for operations explains long-term priming.
Main Methods:
- Conducted two experiments using distinct semantic content: word meaning and category membership.
- Manipulated semantic content to observe differential effects on long-term priming.
- Analyzed priming effects to determine underlying memory processes.
Main Results:
- Long-term semantic priming effects are dependent on the type of semantic content.
- Priming of word meanings was linked to strengthened abstract semantic memory representations.
- Priming of category membership was associated with memory for prior cognitive operations.
Conclusions:
- Long-term semantic priming effects are mediated by different memory processes for different semantic content.
- Evidence supports distinct mechanisms for word meaning and category membership priming.
- Findings challenge single-mechanism explanations and support content-specific memory processes in semantic priming.
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