Illusory correlation and associative strength of words

Investigated a possible explanation for W. R. Hartsough's findings of a reverse relationship between strength of association and degree of illusory correlation. Results with 155 undergraduates show illusory correlation between a word and the color to which it is an associate. Unlike Hartsough, however, the present authors found no greater illusory correlation for mediated associates than for primary associates. (French summary) (6 ref)