Abstract
In the present study 20 single digits were presented sequentially during a 40 sec. display period and five conditions of input timing distributions were examined, employing a computer-based CRT display system. In one condition the 20 digits were distributed evenly through time at a rate of 2 sec. per digit. In the other four conditions the 20 digits were presented at a rate of 1 sec. per digit and the remaining 20 sec. was distributed in various ways throughout the total 40 sec. display period. The results showed very significant effects as a function of varying the input timing distributions and plots of the serial position curves revealed a highly systematic multi-bowing effect which strongly suggests that input “chunking” is time-locked to input timing distributions.
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This research was supported in part by Contract Nonr 285(56) between the Engineering Psychology Branch of the Office of Naval Research and New York University.
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Mayzner, M.S., Tresselt, M.E., Adler, S. et al. Short-term retention of digits: A function of item distribution with respect to time. Psychon Sci 5, 403–404 (1966). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328461
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328461