Effect of typicality on lexical processing of feature-based and perceptually-based categories : a paradigm for isolating semantic feature processing

In this study, the effect of typicality on lexical access and semantic feature processing was examined by comparing performance on naming and category verification tasks between feature-based (bird, vegetable) and perceptually-based (color) categories. Results demonstrated faster processing of typical exemplars than atypical exemplars across tasks and category types. Naming latencies were similar between feature-based and perceptually-based categories, however verification times were faster for colors than for bird and vegetable stimuli. This is consistent with the theory that color judgments are made through a separate cognitive route that bypasses the semantic system. Results are discussed in relation to models of typicality and lexical processing