Thematic bootstrapping: Performance differences between expert chess players and novices

Abstract

Previous research has revealed that memory-based processes are one of the most consistent differences between a novice and a chess expert. The current study used a priming task in 57 adults to investigate whether priming improves the accuracy in finding the best candidate move for a given chess configuration. The stimuli were theme-based chess configurations that served as the prime and target during the procedure. Results indicated for experts that accurate processing of a prime's theme in a congruent trial results in a response priming effect, that is, more correct answers and a decrease in response time. The theoretical implications along with the possible applications of the results are discussed.