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Further evidence for sublexical components in implicit memory for novel words
1Section of Cognitive Neuroscience, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. jdorfman@rush.edu
Memory & Cognition
|December 16, 1998
Summary
This study shows that implicit memory for new words relies on activating existing word parts (morphemes), not new learning. Priming effects confirm this, supporting the activation view of memory.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psycholinguistics
- Memory Research
Background:
- Implicit memory for novel words is not fully understood.
- Prior theories suggest new memory representations may form.
- Dorfman (1994) proposed sublexical component activation is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of sublexical components in implicit memory for novel words.
- To test the activation of pre-existing representations versus new learning.
- To provide evidence for or against the activation view of memory.
Main Methods:
- Participants completed a priming task with novel nonwords.
- Nonwords were constructed using morphemes, syllables, or pseudosyllables.
- Stimuli varied in surface features (type case) and component arrangement.
Main Results:
- Consistent priming observed for morpheme-based nonwords.
- Weaker, variable priming for syllable/pseudosyllable nonwords.
- Priming was unaffected by surface feature changes but disrupted by component rearrangement.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the activation and integration of pre-existing sublexical representations.
- Evidence contradicts the formation of newly established episodic or perceptual representations.
- Priming for novel information is consistent with the activation view of memory.