The Verbal Transformation Effect: A Comparative Study of the Verbal Transformations of Phonetically Trained and Nonphonetically Trained Listeners

Abstract

Continued listening to recorded repetitions of a stimulus has been found to produce perceptual illusory changes in normal listeners. This phenomenon was labeled by Warren [Brit. J. Psychol. 52, 249–258 (1961)] as the verbal transformation effect. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the reported verbal transformations of phonetically trained and nonphonetically trained subjects in terms of the number of forms and transitions elicited, number of repetitions of the stimulus prior to the subject's first verbal transformation, types of transformations reported, and exact forms employed. A total of seven auditory stimuli, representing variations in meaningfulness and phonetic complexity, were presented individually to 28 phonetically trained and 28 nonphonetically trained listeners. Results of their responses to the stimuli indicate that there are both similarities and differences between the two groups. The differences that exist are quantitative, but not qualitative, in nature. The phonetically trained group reported more forms and transitions, and required fewer repetitions of the stimulus prior to their first verbal transformations, than the nonphonetically trained subjects. However, both listener groups reported the same types of verbal transformations and, in many instances, the identical forms as well. Implications of these findings for future research are discussed.