Testing the Two-Cycle Model by Different Word Types

Abstract

The two-cycle model assumes that consonants in words are processed more quickly than vowels. This study tested the two-cycle model with different word types using a priming task which presented consonants or vowels before the target. Analysis showed presenting consonants before the target was beneficial in processing the target for the words with the letter compositions of CWC and CVCV. In contrast, presenting vowels before the target was beneficial for the words with the letter composition of VCVC. The words with the letter composition of VCCV showed no difference between the consonant prime and the vowel prime. The two-cycle model was not supported across all types of words.