One-trial learning directly observed.

Abstract

Ss learned 12 three-digit numbers in the context of a recognition task using a correction method. The order of the correct items, their spatial location in the displays of alternatives, and the identities of the incorrect alternatives were all random over trials. For each S comparisons were made of the number of errors occurring on the trials just preceding and on those just following the first errorless trial. This analysis was performed for each of the 12 items and medians were reported to represent each S's typical performance. The sudden and sharp drop in the number of errors at the critical trial was construed as evidence of one-trial learning. Several aspects of the procedure were cited as potentially important to the form of the results. A NUMBER OF STUDIES have been reported showing evidence that verbal