The test trial potentiating model

Abstract

A theory is proposed to account for the functions of unreinforced test ( T) trials in paired-associate learning: the forgetting-prevention effects as contrasted to blank ( B) trials and the potentiating effects upon the subsequent reinforcement ( R) trials. Both empirical effects were confirmed, through six experiments with a total of 384 valid subjects, under the three basic repetitive programming of R-T-B sequences of RT 1 … T m (Case 1), RB 1 … B m−1 T (Case 2), and RTB 1 … B m−1 (Case 3), in which m was varied from 1 to 5. To solve the fifficulties encountered in extant learning theories, the new model postulates active retrieval processes as unique theoretical functions of T trials. The processes did not change empirical response probabilities significantly over the m successive Ts within a replication, but resulted in increasing the effectiveness on the subsequent Rs. Consistently satisfactory quantitative analyses with respect to both empirical effects of Ts provided decisive grounds for support for the proposed test trial potentiating model.