Part-set cuing of order information in recall tests

Abstract

Serra and Nairne (2000, Experiment 3) showed that serial reconstruction of lists was better with consistent part-set cues (cues presented in their original positions) and worse with inconsistent part-set cues (cues presented in different positions) than with no cues. To determine if those results can be generalized beyond serial reconstruction, the present research examined the effect of consistent and inconsistent cues on serial and free recall. In Experiment 1, serial recall was facilitated with consistent cues but impaired with inconsistent cues. In Experiment 2, free recall was relatively little influenced by cuing condition. In Experiment 3, part-set cuing inhibition occurred when cues were segregated from the recall protocol but cues were not always inhibitory when cues were integrated. It was concluded that the effect of cues on item memory may be mediated by their effect on order memory.