How do 2:1 mappings affect word learning and remapping?

Our study, building on our previous findings, investigates statistical word learning in conditions mimicking bilingualism to gain further insights into how statistical regularities are accumulated when multiple mappings are acquired (in this case, 2:1; two words mapping onto the same object) and how their learning differs from that of words that only map onto one meaning (1:1; one word maps onto one object). In this online experiment, in Learning Phase 1 (LP1), participants will complete a cross-situational word learning task, acquiring both 1:1 and 2:1 mappings. In Learning Phase 2 (LP2), each object that was part of LP1 will receive a new meaning to investigate how easily different mapping types are remapped. We will analyse both accuracy and reaction times (RTs). We predict that it will be harder to acquire 2:1 than 1:1 mappings, but it will be easier to remap 2:1 than 1:1 mappings. We also predict that participants will be faster in learning 1:1 mappings compared to 2:1 mappings, but the opposite will be true for the remapping phase.