An examination of the dynamic interaction within metaphor understanding using a model simulation

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the understanding mechanism for metaphors represented in the form of "A is like B" (simile) using model simulation. In a previous experimental study[1] , the priming effects of visual images on metaphor processing were demonstrated in a psychological experiment. In that experiment, the presentation of a picture of a vehicle ("B") interfered with metaphor comprehension, even when the picture did not directly inhibit features that relate to metaphor interpretation. The previous research has suggested that priming effects arise from interaction among features. In this research, in order to elucidate the dynamic interaction among features within metaphor understanding, the priming effect is examined by simulating computational models that do and do not incorporate detailed processes of dynamic interaction. Furthermore, the strengths of the dynamic interactions among features are estimated as the parameters of the model. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.