Tests of the automaticity of reading: Dilution of Stroop effects by color-irrelevant stimuli

Abstract

In 4 experiments with 60 undergraduates, Ss viewed color bars and words that were conflicting, congruent, or neutral. A color word shown next to a color bar facilitated color naming if it was congruent with the correct response; otherwise it interfered with color naming. The congruence and conflict effects were both diminished (diluted) by the presentation of a color-neutral word elsewhere in the field. A row of X's also produced some dilution. The dilution effects represent attentional interference rather than sensory interaction or response conflict. Because Stroop effects were susceptible to interference, the involuntary reading of color words does not satisfy one of the standard criteria of automaticity--the absence of attention demands. (36 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1983 American Psychological Association.