Abstract
Subjects compared pairs of nonconcrete and nonimageable words along a dimension which has no physical analog—the Evaluative dimension of the semantic differential. Their reaction time to do so was an inverse logarithmic function of the difference between the numerical “goodness” values they had assigned to the words. This result held in both a finite set (Experiment 1) and an infinite set (Experiment 2) paradigm, thus precluding the possibility that only ordinal or rank-order information was used. In addition, the distance effect was apparent regardless of whether an individual's magnitude estimates were normative or idiosyncratic. Further, the serial position and semantic congruity effects obtained in both experiments mirrored those which are typically found when imageable items and/or dimensions are used in this task. These data constrain the use of analog representational structures as constructs underlying the relationship between symbolic distance and reaction time.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
