Lexical integration of novel words without sleep

Lindsay, Shane; Gareth Gaskell, M.

Abstract

Learning a new word involves integration with existing lexical knowledge. Previous work has shown that sleep-associated memory consolidation processes are important for the engagement of novel items in lexical competition. In 3 experiments we used spaced exposure regimes to investigate memory for novel words and whether lexical integration can occur within a single day. The degree to which a new spoken word (e.g., cathedruke) engaged in lexical competition with established phonological neighbors (e.g., cathedral) was employed as a marker for lexical integration. We found evidence for improvements in recognition and cued recall following a time period including sleep, but we also found lexical competition effects emerging within a single day. Spaced exposure to novel words on its own did not bring about this within-day lexical competition effect (Experiment 2), which instead occurred with either spaced or massed exposure to novel words, provided that there was also spaced exposure to the phonological neighbors (Experiments 1 and 3). Although previous studies have indicated that sleep-dependent memory consolidation may be sufficient for lexical integration, our results show it is not a necessary precondition. © 2012 American Psychological Association.

Citation

Lindsay, S., & Gareth Gaskell, M. (2013). Lexical integration of novel words without sleep. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 39(2), 608-622. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0029243

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Aug 29, 2013
• Deposit Date: May 9, 2022
• Journal: Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning Memory and Cognition
• Print ISSN: 0278-7393
• Publisher: American Psychological Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 39
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 608-622
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0029243
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3591557