Semantic satiation and generation: Learning? Adaptation?

Abstract

This review evaluates the reliability of the phenomena of semantic satiation and the applicability of 3 interpretations. Despite some evidence to the contrary, connotative satiation has been demonstrated in many experiments which involve continuous fast repetition of a word for about IS sec. Generation, the opposite of satiation, appears more likely to occur when the stimuli are meaningless, when different words are interspersed during repetition, when the repetition period is short, and when the rate of repetition is slow. Associative satiation and its cognitive effects were found to be repeatedly demonstrated. Certain assumptions were made in order that the learning interpretation might account for the 2 types of satiation. The inhibition interpretation was found basically adequate in this respect and compatible with the learning interpretation. A new interpretation of connotative satiation in terms of the theory of adaptation level was proposed. This interpretation could account for a variety of connotative effects including some evidence contrary to connotative satiation and for connotative satiation itself.

Attitudinal effects of mere exposure.

“…In a typical semantic-satiation experiment the subject is asked to repeat words, two or three per second, for a period of IS seconds. The general findings in this area indicate that following this sort of rapid repetition the word seems to "lose" its meaning (for a review of the literature see Amster, 1964). Loss of meaning is measured by a departure from polarity on semantic differential scales, such as good-bad, strongweak, etc.…”

Cognitive defusion and self-relevant negative thoughts: examining the impact of a ninety year old technique

“…In the middle part of the last century basic researchers examined this procedure and similar techniques (i.e. prolonged visual inspection and repeated writing of the stimulus word) under the label of ''semantic satiation'' (Amster, 1964;Esposito & Pelton, 1971). Several studies in that literature showed reductions in the literal meaning of repeated words (e.g.…”

Effectiveness of a verbal reinforcer subsequent to satiation in preschool children

“…Recently Cook (1968) and Gewirtz (1969) have systematically explored the effect of verbal satiation on verbal reinforcers. Amster (1964) and Zajonc (1968) review the relevant literature and present some of the inconc1usive results and controversy inherent in the field of semantic satiation. The present study attempts to provide some additional data by investigating (1) the verbal satiation process in preschool children, (2) the application of a technique to measure the effect of satiation of a verbal reinforcer upon a later verbally reinforced operant task, and (3) the degree to which reinforcer effectiveness is altered by varying amounts of continued repetition (semantic satiation) of a positive verbal reinforcer.…”