Measuring semantic memory using associative and dissociative retrieval tasks

Recent theoretical advances highlighted the need for novel means of
assessing semantic cognition. Here, we introduce the
Associative-Dissociative Retrieval Task (ADT), positing a novel way to
test inhibitory control over semantic memory retrieval by contrasting the
efficacy of associative (automatic) and dissociative (controlled)
retrieval on standard set of verbal stimuli. All ADT measures achieved
excellent reliability, homogeneity, and short-term temporal stability.
Moreover, in-depth stimulus level analyses showed that associating is
easier for words evoking few but strong associates, yet such propensity
hampers the inhibition. Finally, we provided critical support for the
construct validity of the ADT measures, demonstrating reliable
correlations with domain-specific measures of semantic memory functioning
(semantic fluency and associative combination) but negligible correlations
with domain-general capacities (processing speed and working memory).
Together, we show that ADT provides simple yet potent and psychometrically
sound measures of semantic memory retrieval and offers noteworthy
advantages over the currently available assessment methods.

近年来的理论研究进展凸显了开发语义认知（semantic cognition）评估新方法的迫切需求。为此，我们提出联想-分离提取任务（Associative-Dissociative Retrieval Task, ADT），旨在通过对比标准言语刺激集下联想性（自动化）与分离性（控制性）提取的效能，构建一种全新的语义记忆提取抑制控制测试范式。所有ADT测量指标均表现出优异的信度、同质性与短期时间稳定性。此外，针对刺激维度的深入分析显示，对于能够唤起少量但强联结语义项的词汇，联想提取更为容易，但该倾向会对抑制过程产生阻碍。最后，我们为ADT测量指标的结构效度（construct validity）提供了关键实证支持：ADT得分与语义记忆功能的领域特异性测量指标（语义流畅性与联想组合任务）呈显著相关，而与领域一般性认知能力（加工速度与工作记忆）的相关性则可忽略不计。综上，本研究表明ADT能够提供简便、高效且符合心理测量学标准的语义记忆提取测量工具，相较当前已有的评估方法具备显著优势。