Abstract
Natural language mediators (NLMs) are widely used by Ss in paired-associate learning. Experiments which have documented their effect on learning have largely ignored qualitative differences between them. Two large groups learned different CMC-word lists after which they reported any NLMs they had used. Judges rated the complexity of NLMs using a scale developed by Martin, Boersma, & Cox (1965) with different materials. The results agree with theirs in that complex NLMs produced fewer errors in learning. However, some categories on the scale were used infrequently which may indicate that, at least with highly meaningful material, a simpler dichotomous categorization (NLM or Rote) may be preferable.
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1. This research was supported in part by the Joint Services Electronics Program (U. S. Army, U. S. Navy, and U. S. Air Force) under Contract No. DA 28 043 AMC 00073 (E); and in part by ONR Nonr-3985(08).
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Montague, W.E., Wearing, A.J. The complexity of natural language mediators and its relation to paired-associate learning. Psychon Sci 7, 135–136 (1967). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328502
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328502