The Running Memory Span for Words

Abstract

This experiment investigates the running memory span for English words of high and of low frequency of usage. The running memory span is measured when a sequence of uncertain length is interrupted and the subject is required to recall the most recent part of the message. The span for the two classes of words was studied as a function of the length of the message and amount of prior practice. In the early stages of practice the span varied inversely with frequency of usage and increased with the length of the message. As practice continued, the difference between words of high and low frequency was largely eliminated and there was a relative decline in the span for the longest series. The major variables which are assumed to determine the length in the span are (a) the number and strength of pre-experimental associations of the items; (b) intraserial and interserial interferences developed during exposure to the series, and (c) the subjects' strategies of deliberate rehearsal.