Memory span and intralist response similarity in paired-associate learning

Abstract

High and low memory span (H-MS, L-MS) Ss learned a paired-associate (PA) list with responses either high or low in formal intralist similarity (H-IRS, L-IRS). The L-MS Ss committed more total errors and made more errors before the first correct anticipation for each pair than did H-MS Ss. No MS differences were found in errors after the first correct anticipation. It was concluded that L-MS Ss had more difficulty learning than, but retained as much as, H-MS Ss. Additional data suggested that H-MS Ss are more likely to use multiple strategies in PA learning than are L-MS Ss. Furukawa, Suydam, & Miller (1969) *The authors are indebted to Evelyn Grant and Franceen Huddleston for serving as the Es in this investigation.

Amount of information and intralist similarity in paired-associates learning.

“…The notion that the dependence of the storage stage on, and the independence of the retrieval stage of, the amount of information is powerfully supported by a recent study by Miller and Weinstock (1971). Predefined high and low memory span (H-MS, L-MS) 5s learned a PA list with responses either high or low in formal intralist similarity.…”