What's in a name? Computational modeling and experimental investigations on the non-arbitrariness of word label choices

Combining computational modelling techniques with an experimental psychological methodology, the present project aims to establish a comprehensive theoretical framework for the choice and implications of word labels – why do speakers choose certain names to describe (new) concepts, and how do these names affect the perception and evaluation of these concepts?
A first set of studies investigates when and which new word labels are coined by speakers, depending on the properties of the concepts to be named. A second set of studies examines direct social influences on label choices, since labels are always a social convention of a speaker community. A final set of studies investigates the implications and connotations generated by labels, including semantic associations, affective evaluation, and sensory perception.