Surprise as a Factor in Word Recognition

Abstract

The superior recognition of the first unfamiliar item, relative to subsequent unfamiliar items, in a visually presented series of words was interpreted as supporting “surprise” as a factor in word recognition. An explanation attributing this effect to the relatively greater isolation of the first unfamiliar item was rejected when superior recognition occurred for such an item located in the second serial position which was followed by an equal proportion of familiar and unfamiliar items.