Some Relations between Reaction Time and Choice of Response in Word Association

Abstract

100 Ss responded to a test list of 100 stimulus words, presented orally in two different orders. Mean reaction times were tabulated for each stimulus word to facilitate identification of atypical responses. Reaction time was significantly related to commonality of response, but not to sex of S or frequency-of-use of the stimulus. Five response sets were identified; Ss who chose response words in accordance with them had shorter mean reaction times. Three forms of systematic perseveration extended through the test, strongly influencing choice of response words.