When a listener misinterprets a spoken word resembling another semantically related word (e.g., hearing 'boat' instead of 'coat' in a maritime context), which mechanism explains this error?

💡 Explanation

Misinterpretation occurs because semantic network spreading activation causes related concepts to become more accessible; therefore, the listener anticipates words associated with the context. This activation biases perception toward 'boat' rather than less contextually relevant alternatives like 'coat'. Auditory adaptation is a sensory process, rather than a semantic effect.

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