Stimulated verbal recall and analysis of sources of recall

Abstract

Summary Two groups of 100 S s each were trained with lists of five items consisting of the second most frequent responses (R 2 ) to Kent-Rosanoff stimulus words, and were tested 2 min. later for recall in the presence (Reminded) or absence (Not Reminded) of the stimuli corresponding to the R 2 words. The 1000 pieces of data were assigned to one of seven classes of recall. Stimulated recall produced major differences in the amount and source of errors. The Russell-Jenkins cultural norms were analyzed to separate the stimulus words into three categories. The categories varied the probability of producing R 1 responses (cultural primary), R 2 (cultural secondary), and R 3−n (sum of cultral responses 3 to n). Correct and incorrect recalls varied directly with the cultural probabilities in the norms. It was concluded that the present technique reveals the powerful effects of extraexperimental, proacting interference and facilitation. It was also concluded that the methodologies of memory and association testing can be gainfully blended.