Self-Produced Context Effect in Word Association

Abstract

Analysis of context effects upon reproduction behavior in a word-association task was made. The chances of a successful reproduction were positively affected by success with the preceding word. Success with two preceding words in a row was more influential. This finding was interpreted as a context effect. By inserting a specific stimulus word twice at far-removed serial positions in the stimulus list, it could be shown that the major contribution to the context lies in the reproduction of the preceding response rather than the external reproduction of the preceding stimulus. It is argued that such self-produced context effect is central to the understanding of many facets of verbal behavior.