Intentional Learning of Nonverbal Material with Simultaneous or Incidental Learning of Verbal Material

Abstract

224 Ss were instructed to learn a series of 7 geometric forms, each enclosing 1 of 7 different nonsense syllables. Half the Ss were instructed to learn the syllables for recognition (Intentional) and half were not (Incidental). A given syllable either appeared in the same form on all trials (Constant) or in a different form on each trial (Varied). Stimuli were presented for either 2 or 8 sec. for either 1, 3, 5, or 7 trials. These data were compared with data previously obtained from Ss who learned the series of syllables and were tested for form recognition. Serial anticipation learning was slower for forms than for syllables. Varying the position of forms facilitated their recognition, but varied position had no effect upon syllable recognition. Serial position error curves were inspected.