Semantic Generalization of Classically Conditioned Responses: A Reinterpretative Review

Abstract

E-expectancy effects upon Ss' responses do not appear to enter into all areas of psychological investigation. However, in one area of verbal learning, that of semantic generalization (SG), the presence of this variable and “subject set to conform to the demand characteristics of the experimental situation” appear. It is hypothesized that an interaction between these two variables accounts for the SG “phenomenon.” Methodological and theoretical inadequacies of the research are discussed and the literature is reviewed in terms of this hypothesis. Based upon a reconceptualization of the E-expectancy—S-set interaction, some heuristic implications of the present formulation for other areas of psychological investigation are discussed.

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