Sociocognitive Dual Coding and Processing Models

DCT

Dual Coding Theory (DCT) was originally developed for memory research. The basic notion is that images and words influence memory differently. DCT has been applied to reading and has been used to improve reading programs. The assertion is that learning to read a new word is more efficient if more than one part of the brain is activated, by paring verbal and nonverbal codes. Verbal code would be language in any form; nonverbal codes are tangible objects, pictures, feelings, and events. If one code is forgotten, the second code can serve as a backup during word retrieval. By paring written words, pronunciations, pictures, and experience we are focusing on all levels of processing in DCT which fosters learning. The following paper describes the basic elements of DCT.

According to Dual Coding Theory (DCT) information is represented in the brain via both verbal and imagined codes (Paivio, 1971). These two codes organize sensory information into knowledge that can be stored, retrieved later for use, or acted upon.

Basic Features of DCT

Paivio (1971) based the precepts of DCT on empirical findings. There are two basic categories of knowledge: visual and verbally mediated knowledge representations. Mental images are analogue codes (imagens; Sadoski & Paivio, 2004) which are representations that preserve the major perceptual features of the physical stimuli we have observed. Verbal codes correspond to arbitrarily chosen representations that stand for something that they do not perceptually resembl . The two forms of mental codes also have subsets of mental representations that differ due to the different sensory experiences that they originated from. These subsets have sensory motor qualities as well. Visual representations for verbal codes (e.g., letters) and verbal representations for images (the word "dog" for the visual image of a dog) also exist as well as other associations for nonverbal images (e.g., an image of a pizza will also have haptic, gustatory, olifactory associations). However, we experience modality specific interference as we have difficulty doing two different things in the same modality at the same time (e.g., listening to two conversations at once; Sadoski & Paivio, 2004). All of these memory units are evolving and flexible. Both can be activated either directly (direct sensory input) or indirectly via associations (e.g., the word "tiger" could evoke words or images of cat, lion, zoo, etc.).

There are sequential restraints for logogens (e.g., the letters d-o-g can be sequenced as dog or god but not dgo). Speech and print have sequential and linear natures and larger units can be broken down into smaller units (sentences to words; words to letters) and vice versa (Sadoski & Paivio, 2004). The hierarchical organization of imagens are continuous and integrated and do not break down in the same manner as logoens, but instead as clusters of smaller units that can be combined into larger units. Verbal and nonverbal units then are organized and represented differently.

Processing

DCT recognizes three levels of processing (Sadoski & Paivio, 2004):

1. Representational processing depends on sensory stimulation and individual processing differences. It is simply the initial activation of logogens and/or imagens (recognition of stimuli, but not necessarily comprehension). With regards to reading the sensory stimulation factor would be the legibility of the print and the individual differences factor would be the reading ability of the person.

2. Associative processing often involves comprehension and is the spreading activation in semantic memory that the stimulus produces. This type of spreading activation occurs within the code. At the verbal level this involves the activation of logoens at the at least the morpheme level from a previously activated logoen .

3. Referential processing is spreading activation between the codes and is associated with meaningful comprehension. So when reading logogens that are activated also activate imagens; some might activate no imagens (typically abstract words/phrases), some a few imagens and some might activate many. Mental imagery assists with making sense of the world and understanding or comprehending stimuli, especially during reading. Logogens when activated could spread associations to certain imagens and these in turn could refer back to the verbal system. The spreading activation within and between the two codes defines language and expands its meaning.

Reading