The Effect of Word Frequency on Judgments of Learning: Contributions of Beliefs and Processing Fluency

Frontiers in Psychology
Xiaoyu JiaWeijian Li

Abstract

Previous research has shown that word frequency affects judgments of learning (JOLs). Specifically, people give higher JOLs for high-frequency (HF) words than for low-frequency (LF) words. However, the exact mechanism underlying this effect is largely unknown. The present study replicated and extended previous work by exploring the contributions of processing fluency and beliefs to the word frequency effect. In Experiment 1, participants studied HF and LF words and made immediate JOLs. The findings showed that participants gave higher JOLs for HF words than for LF ones, reflecting the word frequency effect. In Experiment 2a (measuring the encoding fluency by using self-paced study time) and Experiment 2b (disrupting perceptual fluency by presenting words in an easy or difficult font style), we evaluated the contribution of processing fluency. The findings of Experiment 2a revealed no significant difference in self-paced study time between HF and LF words. The findings of Experiment 2b showed that the size of word frequency effect did not decrease or disappear even when presenting words in a difficult font style. In Experiment 3a (a questionnaire-based study) and Experiment 3b (making pre-study JOLs), we evaluated the role of be...Continue Reading

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Citations

Feb 20, 2016·Memory & Cognition·Ping LiWeijian Li
Sep 28, 2016·Neuropsychology, Development, and Cognition. Section B, Aging, Neuropsychology and Cognition·Sarah K TauberPhilipp C Opitz
Nov 23, 2017·Memory & Cognition·Chunliang YangDavid R Shanks
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Nov 12, 2019·Frontiers in Psychology·Xiaoyu JiaLiren Cao
Oct 16, 2020·Memory & Cognition·Skylar J Laursen, Chris M Fiacconi

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