The word without the tachistoscope.
In experiments with an unlimited viewing time, we were able to isolate specific stimulus factors that lead to the word-superiority effect. We discovered that advantages of words over nonwords, and words over single letters, are caused by different factors. The word-nonword effect was found in a variety of circumstances, such as with small type, low contrast, or a simultaneously present mask. The advantage of words over single letters occurs only when the stimuli are embedded in a mask making it difficult to find a single letter. In addition, we obtained a word-detection effect without a brief exposure: Subjects were more accurate detecting the presence of words than nonwords. However, this effect only occurred when subjects were required to discriminate letters from nonletters. Thus, the word-superiority (word-nonword difference) and word-detection effects both involve letter discrimination and can be explained by similar mechanisms.
Prinzmetal
W
W
Psychology Department, University of California, Berkeley 94804.
Silvers
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D006801:Humans; D010470:Perceptual Masking; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D013997:Time Factors; D014796:Visual Perception; D014825:Vocabulary