Cognitive Categories and Memory Span. III. Effects of Similarity on Recall

Abstract

The effects of similarity on short-term recall are investigated, by presenting lists of six consonants followed by short lists of consonants and more or less remote cognitive categories, i.e. digits, tones or spatial positions. Some evidence for release from interference, due to dissimilarity of interfering material, is found with consonants and tones, while almost complete release is shown when consonants are followed by spatial positions. Control experiments are included to account for alternative explanations, such as relative difficulty of the various categories, and different memorizing strategies for items, made up of many as opposed to two alternatives. The latter factor appeared to be of particular importance.