An index of automatization ability was constructed by assuming that (1) the response rate to repeated common stimuli reflects, in part, the ability to benefit from past practice and (2) such response rates should be corrected for general ability level. The relationship of such an index to mastery of a novel task was examined. Fifty male Ss were first given distributed and then massed practice trials on a coded additions task. A second sample of 30 Ss was given twice the number of distributed practice trials followed by massed practice. In both samples, the automatization index related to performances under massed but not distributed practice. The results were discussed in the context of physiological differences previously found related to the automatization index.
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