A study of "fittingness" of signs to words by means of the semantic differential.

Abstract

"Pairs of pictorial signs were presented in connection with each of 10 words. Statistically significant agreement of choice was found when 156 Ss were asked to select the sign 'best fitted' to each word. The same words and signs were rated independently on a semantic differential made up 15 scales. The mean ratings of the chosen signs were found to be closer to the mean ratings of the word than were those of the non-chosen signs. It is concluded that 'fittingness' of sign to word is related to the degree of similarity of their connotative meanings as indicated by ratings on the semantic differential." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)