Age of Acquisition and Word Frequency Effects in Picture Naming: A Dual-Task Investigation

Dent, Kevin, Johnston, Robert A., Humphreys, Glyn W. (2008) Age of Acquisition and Word Frequency Effects in Picture Naming: A Dual-Task Investigation. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 34 (2). pp. 282-301. ISSN 0278-7393. (doi:10.1037/0278-7393.34.2.282) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided)

Abstract

In 2 experiments, the authors explored age of acquisition (AoA) and word frequency (WF) effects in picture naming using the psychological refractory period paradigm. In Experiment 1, participants named a picture and then, a short time later, categorized 1 of 3 possible auditory tones as high, medium, or low. Both AoA (Experiment 1A) and WF (Experiment 1B) effects propagated onto tone discrimination reaction times (RTs), with the effects of AoA being stronger. In Experiment 2, the to-be-named picture followed the auditory tone by a varying interval. As the interval decreased, picture naming RTs increased. The relationship between the interval and AoA (Experiment 2A) was reliably underadditive; AoA effects were eliminated at the shortest interval. In contrast, WF (Experiment 2B) was additive with the effects of the interval. These results demonstrate an empirical dissociation between AoA and WF effects. AoA affects processing stages that precede those that are sensitive to WF. The implications for theories of picture naming are discussed.

Item Type:	Article
DOI/Identification number:	10.1037/0278-7393.34.2.282
Uncontrolled keywords:	age of acquisition; frequency; psychological refractory period; picture naming
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Faculties > Social Sciences > School of Psychology > Cognitive Psychology
Depositing User:	R. Johnston
Date Deposited:	24 Feb 2010 10:56 UTC
Last Modified:	28 May 2019 15:08 UTC
Resource URI:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/23290 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)