Retrieval of concepts in script-based texts and narratives: the influence of general world knowledge.

Full Abstract

The goal of the present experiments was to examine the accessibility of concepts embedded within text. J. A. Albrecht and E. J. O'Brien (1991) found that with narrative texts central concepts are more quickly retrieved than peripheral concepts. In contrast, F. R. Yekovich and C. H. Walker (1986) found that when concepts are embedded within scripts, peripheral concepts are more quickly retrieved than central concepts. Over 13 experiments, central concepts were generally more quickly accessed than peripheral concepts. The only exception occurs when (a) script-based texts are used, (b) the number of mentions or elaboration of central and peripheral concepts is held constant, and (c) the measure of centrality is theme relatedness rather than degree of interconnectedness. Under those conditions, central concepts are more difficult to access than peripheral concepts.

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Author information

Author/s: Rizzella, Michelle L (ML); O'Brien, Edward J (EJ);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York 14456-3458, USA. rizzella@hws.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Clinical Trial; Comparative Study; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

Journal: Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition (J Exp Psychol Learn Mem Cogn), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Jul; vol 28 (issue 4) : pp 780-90

Dates: Created 2002/07/11; Completed 2003/02/14; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12109768, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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