Priming Compared to Recall: Following Multiple Exposures and Delay

Abstract

The activation of words can be measured directly, by recall, or indirectly, by noting their occurrence as associates on a subsequent association test (priming). 12 groups of Ss had 0, 1, 2, or 4 exposures to 14 words, using one intentional and two incidental learning tasks. 6 additional groups, after 1, 2, or 4 presentations of the words for intentional learning, had a 6- or 12-min. delay before taking the association test. All 15 experimental groups had significantly better recall after more exposures and less delay. The priming effects, however, were affected neither by repeated exposure nor by delay. More primed associates were elicited on the association test after one exposure than after two. Priming and recall, thus, seem to measure two distinct processes.