Abstract
The uniqueness of the cue-target word encoding episode was examined as an important determinant of retrieval-cue effectiveness. Using a single list of unrelated word pairs, the uniqueness of the cue-target word relationship in each word pair was manipulated through two sets of encoding instructions. One set of instructions led the subjects to relate the items in each word pair in a unique way by having them treat the word pairs as similes. The other set of instructions led subjects to relate the items in each word pair in a similar way by having them compare the items in each pair with respect to their hardness properties. Subjects receiving the simile encoding instructions performed significantly better on a cued recall test, where one word from each pair was used as a cue for the other member. The encoding instructions were also found to have a significant effect on the ability to recognize word pairs, but were found to have little effect on subjects’ ability to recall and recognize individual list items. Implications of the results for theories of memory are discussed.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Arbuckle, T. Y., &Katz, W. A. Structure of memory trace following semantic and non-semantic orientation tasks in incidental learning.Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Learning and Memory, 1976,2, 362–369.
Craik, F. I. M., &Lockhart, R. S. Levels of processing: A frame-work for memory research.Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 1972,11, 671–684.
Craik, F. I. M., &Tulving, E. Depth of processing and the retention of words in episodic memory.Journal of Experimental Psychology. General, 1975,104, 268–294.
Moscovitch, M., &Craik, F. I. M. Depth of processing retrieval cues, and uniqueness of encoding as factors in recall.Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 1976,15, 447–458.
Tulving, E., &Pearlstone, Z. Availability versus accessibility of information in memory for words.Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 1966,5, 381–391.
Tulving, E., &Thomson, D. M. Retrieval processes in recognition memory: Effects of associative context.Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1971,87, 116–124.
Tulving, E., &Thomson, D. M. Encoding specificity and retrieval processes in episodic memory.Psychological Review, 1973,80, 352–373.
Wiseman, S., &Tulving, E. Encoding specificity: Relation between recall superiority and recognition failure.Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Learning and Memory, 1976,2, 349–361.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This research was supported in part by Grants 5-TO1-MNO8527-12 and NE-GOO-3-0026.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Stein, B. The effects of cue-target uniqueness on cued recall performance. Memory & Cognition 5, 319–322 (1977). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03197577
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03197577