A new perspective on word association: how keystroke logging informs strength of word association

摘要: For many years, word association (WA) data has informed theories of the mental lexicon by analyzing words elicited. However, findings are inconsistent and WA research is still waiting for ‘a breakthrough in methodology which can unlock its undoubted potential’ (Schmitt 2010. Researching vocabulary: A vocabulary manual. Palgrave Macmillan, 248). In this paper, we offer a new perspective on using keystroke logging (Inputlog, Leijten & Van Waes 2013. Keystroke writing research: Using Inputlog to analyze visualize processes. Written Communication 30(3). 358–92. Online: www.inputlog.net/description.html) captures processes production. More specifically, pause behavior during continued, typed, task with 30 cue eliciting 4 responses, per cue, evaluate strength links lexical selection We show strong positive correlation between length inter-response location, providing empirical evidence supports established hypothesis that as more responses elicited, them become weaker. Furthermore, Fitzpatrick's response classification (2007. Word patterns: unpacking assumptions. International Journal Applied Linguistics 17(3). 319–31), found meaning-based were most common dataset generally, but, they particularly occurred after longer pauses, exclusively so longest pauses. Position form-based whilst less frequent overall, typically followed shortest our conclusion highlight importance fine-tuning ongoing understanding how access lexicon.