Memory for Chords: The Retention of Pitch and Mode

Abstract

In this paper, three experiments on the mnemonic retention of single tones and chords in an interference paradigm are discussed. The data obtained in the first experiment support the assumption that chords are easier to retain than tones. In the second and third experiments, the memory for mode (whether chords appear in the major or minor key) and the root of common triads is investigated. The results indicate that a change in pitch is substantially easier to detect than a change in mode. Factors that might qualify this finding are discussed.