Semantic Errors

Question 1

What are the forms of semantic error?

Answer 1

Under extension/narrowing eg dog for family dog but no other dogs
Overextension/broadening eg dada for all men not just for father

Question 2

What is Rescorla’s theory of overextension?

Answer 2

1980
- Categorical- most common form, the hypernym (broad category) of hyponyms (subcategory) eg apple to include all other fruit
- analogical- 15% of cases, the function or perception of an object eg scarf being called cat due to similar properties when stroked
- predicate statements- 25% of cases, convey some form of abstract information eg doll referring to empty cot as that is where it usually is