Processing of literal and metaphorical meanings in polysemous verbs: An experiment and its methodological implications

Abstract This paper discusses methodological issues related to the implementation of experimental studies that investigate processing literal and metaphorical expressions. The first central aim is discuss questions arising from current research on figurative language, such as use heterogeneous stimuli their suitability for investigating language. At center discussion contextual cognitive dominance meanings in polysemous words an important variable In this paper, we its importance propose a possible way controlling variable. second present results complement show metaphor (i.e. very conventionalized meanings) not necessarily more difficult or special comparison language if are properly balanced. suggest design balanced both terms traditional lexical measures well retrieved corpus data.