Semiotic Frame: A Method for the Experimental Analysis of “Images”

Abstract

The author proposes the Semiotic Frame as a method by which to analyze those peculiar types of ‘images’ (or concepts, or representations) such as the ‘image of the body,’ the ‘image of a place,’ etc. This method consists of giving to a sample of subjects verbal stimuli and then asking them to write within a time limit “all those words of which the item itself reminds them.” Semiotic Frame is an evolution of the Free Association method, referred to ‘social’ images instead of to individual reactions. The author presents as examples the “Holiday,” “University,” and “Nature” Semiotic Frames.