Abstract
TODAM2, a theory of distributed associative memory, shows how item and associative information can be considered special cases of serial-order information. Consequently, it is important to get the right model for serial-order information. Here, we analyze and compare three distributed-memory models for serial-order information that use TODAM’s convolution-correlation formalism. These models are the chaining model, the chunking model, and a new model, the power-set model. The chaining model associates each item with its predecessor; the chunking model uses multiple convolutions andn-grams to form chunks; and the power-set model interassociates all items in a set in a particular way to form a chunk. The models are compared in terms of their performance on seven basic tests of serial-order information—namely, serial recall, backward recall, recall of missing items, sequential probe tests, positional probe tests, serial-to-paired-associate transfer, and item recognition. The strengths and weaknesses of each model are discussed.
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This research was supported by Grant APA 146 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
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Murdock, B.B. Developing TODAM: Three models for serial-order information. Memory & Cognition 23, 631–645 (1995). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03197264
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03197264