This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects on retention of introducing non-optimal muscular tension in the legs during the course of learning 40 words. The tension was introduced during the recitation of the second 10 words. There was a tension group and a no-tension group, each with 30 Ss, in which there was no inter-trial “rest.” There were two corresponding groups in which there was a 1-min. interval between word lists. Analysis of the immediate recall data supports the conclusion that non-optimal tension during learning is directly related to recall scores. This suggests a general hypothesis that tension during learning may bring about poorer recall scores but will not improve recall.
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