Three friends are having a discussion about taxes, but the conversation is soon sidetracked as different statements bring up related ideas. The conversation drifts from taxes, to politicians, to the election, to fund-raising. Which Collins and Loftus theory is this shift in the focus of the conversation consistent with?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The shift in the focus of the conversation from taxes to politicians, election, and fundraising is consistent with spreading activation within a semantic network. This theory suggests that related ideas and concepts are connected in our minds and activation of one concept can trigger activation of related concepts. In this conversation, the initial topic of taxes triggered related ideas about politics, elections, and fundraising.

Three Friends Are Having a Discussion About Taxes, but the Conversation