Abstract
Interference effects for pictures and words were investigated using a probe-recall task. Word stimuli showed acoustic interference effects for items at the end of the list and semantic interference effects for items at the beginning of the list, similar to results of Kintsch and Buschke (1969). Picture stimuli showed large semantic interference effects at all list positions with smaller acoustic interference effects. The results were related to latency data on picture-word processing and interpreted in terms of the differential order, probability, and/or speed of access to acoustic and semantic levels of processing. A levels of processing explanation of picture-word retention differences was related to dual coding theory. Both theoretical positions converge on an explanation of picture-word retention differences as a function of the relative capacity for semantic or associative processing.
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This research was supported by funds provided by the Learning Research and Development Center, University of Pittsburgh, which is supported in part by funds from the National Institute of Education (NIE). The research reported is based upon a Masters thesis conducted by the first author under the supervision of the second author.
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Dhawan, M., Pellegrino, J.W. Acoustic and semantic interference effects in words and pictures. Memory & Cognition 5, 340–346 (1977). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03197581
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03197581