Immediate Recall

Abstract

The results are reported of two experiments which show that immediate recall of word lists is accomplished by a complex process in which a few words register immediately in what we have called residual memory. These are normally words which indicate a "change of state" of the input (in particular they may mark the beginning or end of lists) and they are recalled either alone or as the beginning or end points of short forward or backward sequences. Other words in the list are recalled (if at all) as members of these sequences. Parallels are drawn with other memory functions, such as serial rote learning. The conclusions drawn are supported by showing that there is a degree of similarity in the patterns of recall of members of radically different language communities (for example, English, Polish, Shona) and different age groups (5 years, 9-10 years, 14-15 years, adult).