Abstract
Thirteen Ss recalled 60 nine-digit lists presented consecutively for 15 min at a rate of two digits/second. An analysis of errors by serial position revealed that (1) primacy errors in the first two list positions increased over time, and (2) recency errors in the last two list positions decreased over time. The ratio recency errors/primacy errors showed a consistent downward trend over the testing period. It is suggested that this ratio is an index of the degree of active information processing and may be a useful reflection of the vigilance type of decrement, which can be derived from the use of a short simple test.
Article PDF
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
BROADBENT, D. E. Perception and communication. London: Pergamon, 1958.
BROADBENT, D. E. Differences and interactions between stresses. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1963, 15, 205–211.
CROWDER, R. G. Behavioral strategies in immediate memory. Journal of Verbal Learning & Verbal Behavior, 1969, 8, 524–528.
DAVIES, D. R., & TUNE, G. S. Human vigilance performance. London: Staples Press, 1970.
GLANZER, M., & CUNITZ, A. R. Two storage mechanisms of free recall. Journal of Verbal Learning & Verbal Behavior, 1966, 5, 351–360.
WAUGH, N. C., & NORMAN, D. A. Primary memory. Psychological Review, 1965, 72, 89–104.
WILKINSON, R. T. Sleep deprivation: Performance tests for partial and selective sleep deprivation. In L. E. Abt and B. F. Reiss (Eds.), Progress in clinical psychology. New York: Grune & Stratton, 1968.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hamilton, P., Hockey, G.R.J. Recency/primacy ratio: A short test of task orientation. Psychon Sci 21, 253–254 (1970). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332470
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332470