Abstract
The method of limits was used to estimate the perceptual or immediate memory thresholds for a sample of 12 normals and 12 institutionalized retardates matched on CA and perceptual intactness. A stimulus array, composed of six digits in a circular pattern, was presented tachistoscopically. On the first trial, the duration of the array increased at 100-msec intervals beginning from a 100-msec base. After three consecutive correct responses were recorded, the array duration decreased (Trial 2) in 100-msec steps until three consecutive incorrect responses were recorded. The same procedure for the remaining six trials was followed, with the exception that 50-msec steps were used. A poststimulus cue immediately followed the offset of the stimulus array for a duration of 100 msec. The offset of the cue was followed by the S naming the digit that was indicated by the cue. Averaging over trials, the mean thresholds for normals and retardates were 424.861 and 1,538.194 msec, respectively. Following a logarithmic transformation of the data, a 2 (groups) by 6 (trials) repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed a practice effect for normals, but not for retardates, and superior performance of normals on all trials. The results were interpreted within Atkinson’s memory model.
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Libkuman, T., Friedrich, D. Threshold measures of sensory register storage (perceptual memory) on normals and retardates. Psychon Sci 27, 357–358 (1972). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328991
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328991