Long-term semantic transfer: An overlapping-operations account

Abstract

Semantic priming is usually a short-lived effect. However, it is also usually investigated using undemanding tasks, such as naming or lexical decision. We instead required subjects to perform category verification. We observed semantically mediated transfer occurring at an average lag of 90 intervening trials. We also observed that this priming was specific to the stimulus properties made salient in prime and probe displays and the particular task demanded in those displays. We interpret the results within an overlapping-operations framework, based on the work of Kolers (e.g., 1976).