The Principle of Congruity as a Predictor of Meaning

Abstract

The ability of a congruity model to predict composite sign meaning as defined by responses to a semantic differential (SD) questionnaire was examined. The composite signs, component signs, and Ss were associated with the field of education. In most instances, obtained measures of factor scores were systematically lower than predicted measures. However, the addition of a constant c, such that - 0. 3 ≤ c ≤ - 0. 2, to the predicted measures generally removes this difference. Obtained and predicted factor scores were correlated to indicate their relationship independent of a systematic error. After accounting for the reliability of SD factor scores the correlations indicate that the congruity model does predict meanings of composite signs from meanings of component signs.