Abstract
The enhancement of free recall of object categories represented by varied, as opposed to repeated, specimens was studied when Ss recalled immediately after presentation of the stimuli vs when they worked arithmetic problems for 1 min before recalling. All Ss recalled three times, the second and third recalls in all cases being preceded by 1 min of arithmetic. Results indicated no change in recall over the three trials. However, the varied categories were recalled better than the repeated categories, and the difference was reduced when interpolated activity was required. The interpolated activity was more effective for the female Ss and appeared to depend upon the particular categories that were varied or repeated. The findings were interpreted as indicating the contribution of retrieval processes to the variety effect.
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This research was partly supported by funds from the National Science Foundation, Grant No. GU 2751, to Georgia State University.
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Daves, W.F., Rinn, R.C. The variety effect in free recall as a function of prerecall activity. Psychon Sci 22, 226–227 (1971). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332583
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332583