Adult Fast-Mapping Memory Research Is Based on a Misinterpretation of Developmental-Word-Learning Data

Abstract

Fast mapping is often used to refer to children’s remarkable ability to learn the meanings of new words with minimal exposure and in ambiguous contexts. It is one thing to claim that children are capable of learning words this way; it is another to claim that this ability relies on a specific fast-mapping neurocognitive mechanism that is critical for early word learning. Yet that claim has recently been made in adult memory research and used as a theoretical justification for research into an adult fast-mapping mechanism. In this review, we explain why the existence of such a mechanism in children is not supported by developmental research and explore the implications for adult fast-mapping data and research.

Prior Exposure and Toddlers’ Sleep-Related Memory for Novel Words

“…Zosh, et al [79] found greater than chance retention of fast-mapped words but chance level retention of explicitly named words and argued that the inferences involved in fast mapping and the processing of competitors aid in word learning. Contrastingly, Himmer, et al [80] found a stronger sleep-related effect (better memory after sleep) in explicitly named words than fast-mapped words in adults, arguing that fast-mapped words were already well integrated into long-term memory prior to sleep but see [81]. Clearer comparisons of the effects of fast mapping and explicit naming in relation to sleep-related memory are needed.…”

Where’s the Advantage? Mutual Exclusivity Promotes Children’s Initial Mapping, but Not Long-Term Memory, for Words Compared to Other Strategies

“…In addition, we consider development to be an important factor in MEB use and retention of novel words, as it could be that older learners with greater memory skills employ MEB in different manners than younger learners (for a discussion, see O’Connor and Riggs, 2019 ). Studies of referent selection and long-term memory have typically included only very small age ranges during infancy (e.g., Horst and Samuelson, 2008 ; Bion et al, 2013 ).…”