Initial probability, rehearsal, and constraint in associative class selection

Abstract

After determining verbal preferences in baseline, separate groups of children observed a model select, for the same stimulus nouns, high probability noun, intermediate probability verb, or low probability (arbitrary) color associates. Under strong directions to emulate the model, all experimental groups increased selection of the associate classes modeled. Later, in a free-preference phase, both noun and arbitrary choices were reduced but not choice of intermediate probability verbs. Overt rehearsal did not affect response. Under permissive emulation directions, all groups increased selection of the modeled associate classes in imitation, with no significant drops found in free-preference. Overt rehearsal's only effect was to reduce color associate choices.