ABSTRACT
When a word is repeated in a lexical decision task, the effect of word frequency is typically attenuated for the second presentation, compared to the first presentation of the word. In contrast, when the first presentation is masked so that subjects do not consciously identify the word, the effects of word frequency and repetition are additive. The present series of experiments tested explanations of the reduced frequency effect for repeated words that account for the effect in terms of a decision strategy based on the episodic familiarity of the target. The results did not provide support for the explanation, and an alternative view is suggested whereby both word frequency and (unmasked) repetition are assumed to facilitate the identification of the word. Implications for the interpretations of repetition priming effects in amnesic patients are also discussed.
