Feature binding for words and their meanings: A new visual matrix paradigm

The present study sought to demonstrate how word meaning and word identity could operate as independent features in memory conjunctions using a novel adaptation of visual-spatial matrixes. Using converging associative lists, theme word sets were associated with a common row (location theme), common color, or both. The DRM effect was expanded in this study, examining both presented and non-presented thematically-related words. Experiments showed the theme effect to be inconsistent, though trends followed the expected pattern where thematic match between word meaning and feature led to greater endorsement rates. This effect decreased with decreasing thematic strength of the word type. Test item types showed greater theme effects than conjunction test items. The DRM effect pattern showed the expected pattern where thematic strength and word presentation were additive, though the full pattern was only obtained for word identifications. The separation of theme and identity features was explained by Fuzzy Trace Theory.