In the paired-associate literature negative transfer paradigms, e.g., (A—B, A—C), impede List 1 recall. Positive transfer paradigms, e.g., (A—B, A—B synonym), do not contribute to List 1 forgetting. In this study poems (Haiku) were manipulated to be analogous to paired-associate paradigms. Similar to the paired-associate findings for mixed-lists (several conditions present in one list), List 2 synonyms did not contribute to List 1 forgetting, but, contrary to expectations, neither did antonyms. With meaningful materials Ss may attach discriminating tags to the synonyms and antonyms permitting the application of appropriate transfer rules.
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