Current feature-based semantic memory models assume that the semantic representations of concepts differ systematically across living and nonliving categories and that such differences account for the emergence of category-specific semantic deficits in brain-damaged people. To assess some of the different models' main assumptions about structural differences at the semantic feature level in the two major semantic domains, we administrated a feature-listing task to normal young volunteers on 64 concepts drawn from living and nonliving semantic categories. We investigated whether feature correlation, a variable with a crucial role in the emergence of category-specific deficits, should be computed as a concept-dependent or as a concept-independent measure, and we chose the former. We also addressed the issue of a psychological counterpart of feature production frequency. Finally, we analysed the database obtained from the feature-listing tasks, looked at cross-domain differences for correlation, feature frequency, distinctiveness, and feature type, and discussed the implications of these findings for current semantic memory models.

Zannino, G., Perri, R., Pasqualetti, P., Caltagirone, C., Carlesimo, G. (2006). Analysis of the semantic representations of living and nonliving concepts: A normative study. COGNITIVE NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, 23(4), 515-540 [10.1080/02643290542000067].

Analysis of the semantic representations of living and nonliving concepts: A normative study

CALTAGIRONE, CARLO;CARLESIMO, GIOVANNI
2006-01-01

Abstract

Current feature-based semantic memory models assume that the semantic representations of concepts differ systematically across living and nonliving categories and that such differences account for the emergence of category-specific semantic deficits in brain-damaged people. To assess some of the different models' main assumptions about structural differences at the semantic feature level in the two major semantic domains, we administrated a feature-listing task to normal young volunteers on 64 concepts drawn from living and nonliving semantic categories. We investigated whether feature correlation, a variable with a crucial role in the emergence of category-specific deficits, should be computed as a concept-dependent or as a concept-independent measure, and we chose the former. We also addressed the issue of a psychological counterpart of feature production frequency. Finally, we analysed the database obtained from the feature-listing tasks, looked at cross-domain differences for correlation, feature frequency, distinctiveness, and feature type, and discussed the implications of these findings for current semantic memory models.
2006
Pubblicato
Rilevanza internazionale
Articolo
Sì, ma tipo non specificato
Settore MED/26 - NEUROLOGIA
English
Con Impact Factor ISI
Zannino, G., Perri, R., Pasqualetti, P., Caltagirone, C., Carlesimo, G. (2006). Analysis of the semantic representations of living and nonliving concepts: A normative study. COGNITIVE NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, 23(4), 515-540 [10.1080/02643290542000067].
Zannino, G; Perri, R; Pasqualetti, P; Caltagirone, C; Carlesimo, G
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2108/31388
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