Allocation of time in self-paced memory tasks: the role of practice, instructions, and individual differences in optimizing performance

Abstract

Nelson & Narens (1990) proposed that the allocation of study time in self-paced memory tasks depends on the comparison between the norm of study (established before studying) and the level of learning reached. We explored the role of practice, instructions, and individual differences in determining the norm of study and optimizing performance. In Study 1, participants carried out various study trials involving different (but similar) lists of words. In Study 2, participants were instructed to attain either maximum recall or maximum speed. In Study 3, the study time spontaneously used by each participant was estimated. The effect of increasing or decreasing this time was observed. Memory span and speed of lexical processing were also measured. Finally, Study 4 estimated participants were able to adapt performance to objective criteria (e.g., instructions). However, the time that they spontaneously use tends to be the most efficient. Variations in these times lead to losses in efficiency. Differences in processing capacity or motivation seem not to determine the differences in study time.