Normative data for Chinese-English paired associates

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Human Memory Research
• Cross-linguistic Studies

Background:

• Paired-associate learning is a key paradigm for studying human memory.
• Existing foreign language-English translation norms are limited to alphabetic systems, hindering research on logographic languages.
• There is a need for memory research norms using logographic writing systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To collect normative data for Chinese-English word pairs for memory research.
• To investigate factors influencing recall performance in learning logographic-alphabetic word pairs.
• To address the limitation of existing memory research norms.

Main Methods:

• Collected normative data for 160 Chinese-English word pairs.
• Employed a paired-associate learning paradigm with three study-test cycles.
• Collected metacognitive judgments, including ease of learning and judgments of learning.

Main Results:

• Reported recall performance, recall latency, ease of learning, and judgments of learning for each pair.
• A multiple regression analysis identified predictors of recall.
• Higher visual complexity (number of strokes) of Chinese characters predicted lower target recall.

Conclusions:

• The developed Chinese-English word pair norms can be used in memory research.
• Visual complexity of logographic characters is a significant factor in paired-associate learning.
• Findings contribute to understanding memory across different writing systems.