3 experiments involving category clustering in lists composed of highfrequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) associates of the category names are reported, (a) Block presentation augments clustering in both lists and augments word recall in HF but not in LF lists, (b) Word recall and clustering are higher in HF lists than in LF lists, (c) Duration of item-presentation interval augments both clustering and word recall within limits, (d) An immediate recall augments or maintains clustering and word recall on a second recall, obtained after a short delay, (e) It is concluded that a coding hypothesis cannot do justice to all the findings. Associations between the category names and their instances or among the instances themselves are suggested as supplemental or alternative mechanisms.

Since Watson's epoch-making hypothesis relating thinking to sub-vocal speech, psychologists have emphasized, to a greater or lesser degree, the important role which language mechanisms (verbal, manual, postural, etc.) play in complex human behavior. Although there has been much speculation regarding the nature and function of linguistic behavior, relatively few experimental data are available as the basis for systematized theory in this area. In fact, language mechanisms have often been regarded as 'uncontrolled variables' in psychological investigations.The present paper reports an attempt (i) to extend the objective principles derived from conditioned response experimentation to certain aspects of linguistic behavior, and (2) to show how such an interpretation of language behavior throws light on other psychological phenomena in which language plays an important role. It should be emphasized at the outset that not only are the conditioned response principles (e.g., reinforcement, generalization) here employed well established and generally accepted, but their validity as principles of linguistic behavior has been determined by

STUDIES OF CONTEXTUAL EFFECTS ON RESPONSES OBTAINED TO STIMULI IN WORD ASSOCIATION TESTS ARE REVIEWED UNDER THE HEADINGS DIRECT PRIMING, INDIRECT PRIMING, AND STIMULUS COMPOUNDING, WITH ATTENTION TO BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE RESULTS, AND AN ATTEMPT IS MADE TO SUMMARIZE WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH POSITIVE AND WITH NEGATIVE RESULTS. A SUGGESTION IS TENTATIVELY MADE THAT IF ITEMS BELONG WITHIN THE SAME ASSOCIATIVE STRUCTURE, PRIMING OF AN ITEM AS A RESPONSE TO ANOTHER ITEM MAY OCCUR; WHEREAS WITHOUT THIS COMMUNITY OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERSHIP, PRIMING MAY NOT OCCUR. (28 REF.)

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