Episodic and lexical contributions to the repetition effect in word identification.

Abstract

Conducted 5 experiments (1 in 2 parts) with undergraduates (N = 198) to study the repetition effect (RE); this term refers to the finding that the speed and accuracy of naming a visually presented word is enhanced by a single prior presentation of the word. Procedures are described in detail, and the findings of the experiments are compared and discussed. A model was developed that outlines the relative contributions to the RE in word and nonword identification that are made (a) by episodic traces for particular events and (b) by unitized representations of words in semantic memory. A prominent role in the model is played by the unitization that characterizes identification of words and is missing for nonwords. (51 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)