Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Lexical Decision Task for Studying Written Word Recognition in Adults with and without Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: June 25, 2019
Strategic control of processing in word recognition
1Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287.
Abstract:
Strategic control of word recognition in a lexical decision task was examined by manipulating the similarity of nonword foils to real words (nonword lexicality). Overall correct reaction times to words and the advantage of high- over low-frequency words were greater when nonword foils were more wordlike. This was true for both illegal (BTESE) versus legal (DEEST) nonword foils and legal nonword versus pseudohomophone (BEEST) foils. The same pattern of results was replicated in a 2nd experiment in which the word targets were always irregular (e.g., HAVE). A 3rd experiment demonstrated a large frequency blocking effect for low-frequency words, given pseudohomophone foils. The results are applied to pathway selection and random-walk frame-works. For both framework, canonical models are developed, which characterize qualitative predictions of broad classes of models within that framework. We argue for a pluralistic approach to theory development that moves from lower to higher order isomorphisms between data and theory.
Related Concept Videos
Parallel Processing
Subconsciousness and No Awareness
An illustrative example of subconscious processing is its role in problem-solving. Often, individuals...
Language and Cognition
Working Memory
Information Processing Approach
Automatic Processing and Automatic Social Behavior

