Abstract
The role of memory schemata in natural situations appears to be an important topic. An experiment is reported that addresses this topic by showing that a schema-based model developed under laboratory conditions is generalizable to a natural situation. Students in a laboratory section of a course received a lecture by a lecturer who performed actions that were relevant (e.g., underlining a word on the blackboard) or irrelevant (e.g., sipping coffee) with respect to a lecture script. A surprise recognition memory test showed that irrelevant actions were remembered better than relevant actions. This major result was consistent with a prediction made by a schema copy plus tag model.
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This research was supported by National Institute of Mental Health Grant MH33491, awarded to Arthur Graesser. Authors Nakamura, Riha, and Zimmerman were members of Graesser’s Cognitive Research Group when this study was conducted.
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Nakamura, G.V., Graesser, A.C., Zimmerman, J.A. et al. Script processing in a natural situation. Memory & Cognition 13, 140–144 (1985). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03197006
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03197006