Novel Interactions of Lexical Frequency and Visual Stimuli During Word Retrieval

Overview

Speech production has long been the focus of neurolinguistics, where concepts are associated with their respective words, a process called word retrieval. Though defined, current research lacks focus on identifying how visual stimuli can affect speech prod uction speeds, which if understood can contribute to theoretical applications in optimal learning. Thus, this research investigates lexical frequency (how common a word is), finding novel interactions with priming influencing word retrieval in pictures vs words. Data was collected through a previous study where 24 native English speakers completed a naming experiment featuring 50 concepts (25 animals, 25 tools), each presented equally and randomly as pictures and words. Lexical frequency metrics were employed from publicly available data through the English Lexicon Project (ELP), and trials were filtered to include only correct responses. Analyses were conducted using OLS regression and mixed –effect models, examining the main effects between modality (words vs pictures), frequency bins (high vs low), and semantic category (animals vs tools). The results showed statistical significance for all interactions. Pictures were named slower overall by ~162 ms, signifying pictures go through a pre -lexical selection stage, that words skip as they rely on overt reading. Notably, the novel interaction hypothesized of high-frequency effects masking evocative priming in pictures was statistically supported, meaning, pictures go through both priming and lexical selection. Th ese findings contribute to significant theoretical understandings in psycholinguistics, introducing awareness of the extent of priming for English Language Learners (ELLs). Moreover, the differences in lexical frequency allow for tailored natural -language processing, optimizing responses. Indiana

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• JSHS 2025 Category not listed

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