Abstract
Becker’s (1980) verification model, in conjunction with a two-strategy hypothesis, is cited as an alternative to a dual-process model (e.g., Posner & Snyder, 1975) of word recognition and semantic priming. Becket’s approach suggests that individuals can use either an “expectancy” or a “prediction” strategy in word recognition, and maintains that the verification model successfully predicts certain patterns of facilitation and inhibition in a semantic priming task that a dual-process model cannot. The present study demonstrated that when a long stimulus-onset asynchrony (SOA = 1,000 msec) is used between prime and target, support is given to Becker’s findings, and to the verification model approach. However, at a short SOA (200 msec), no evidence is found for the hypothesized difference between strategic processes. The results are consistent with other findings (e.g., Neely, 1977) in showing that strategic factors in semantic priming are largely inoperative at short prime-target SOAs, and suggests that Becker’s model is not general enough to rule out some type of dual-process model.
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This research was supported by a research grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to the first author. Part of this research was completed while the first author was on leave at Acadia University. The results of the present research were presented at the annual convention of the Canadian Psychological Association, June 1984, Ottawa.
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den Heyer, K., Briand, K. & Smith, L. Automatic and strategic effects in semantic priming: An examination of Becker’s verification model. Memory & Cognition 13, 228–232 (1985). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03197685
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03197685