The Domain Interaction Approach to Metaphor Processing: Relating Individual Differences and Metaphor Characteristics

Tourangeau and Sternberg (1981) proposed a sophisticated model to explain how people comprehend and appreciate metaphors of the form "Robert Redford is the peacock of actors." Out study conceptually extended this work by incorporating methodological improvements that permit the examination of individual differences. It was discovered that metaphors comparing terms with high dissimilarity between respective categories (between-domain distance) were best understood and appreciated. This relation was especially marked for participants of higher analogic reasoning ability, even when vocabulary differences were partialed out. Metaphors with high dissimilarity between topic and vehicle on factors that distinguish between category members (within-domain distance) were given low comprehension and appreciation ratings. Analogic reasoning exhibited only minimal effects here. The results are generally consistent with the Tourangeau and Sternberg model, although some inconsistent findings were observed. Slight modifications and more general theoretical problems with the model are discussed.