Word imageability and orthographic neighbourhood effects on memory: a study in free recall and recognition

This study investigated the effects of word imageability and orthographic neighbourhood size, as well their combined effects, in free recall recognition memory. A total 45 young adults performed tasks on same materials. Word size were orthogonally manipulated across four conditions: low-imageability words – high N, saveur [flavor], low [total], high-imageability carré [square] nuage [cloud]. The results show that facilitates memory performance both tasks, while effect was exhibited only task. Finally, found to depend imageability. implications are discussed according semantic characteristics with regard processes involved tasks.