# K-clique percolation in free association networks. The mechanism behind the 7 ± 2  law ?

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2110.09317 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2110.09317/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 18 Oct 2021.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Feature-rich multiplex lexical networks reveal mental strategies of early language learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2201.05061/) (2022)

## Abstract (arXiv)

It is important to reveal the mechanisms of propagation in different cognitive networks. In this study we discuss the k-clique percolation phenomenon on the free association networks including "English Small World of Words project" (SWOW-EN). We compare different semantic networks and networks of free associations for different languages. Surprisingly it turned out that k-clique percolation for all k<kc=(6-7) is possible on SWOW-EN and Dutch language network. Our analysis suggests the new universality patterns for a community organization of free association networks. We conjecture that our result can provide the qualitative explanation of the Miller's 7± 2 rule for the capacity limit of working memory. The new model of network evolution extending the preferential attachment is suggested which provides the observed value of kc.