Retention after a short-term memory task : a test of a model

Abstract

Retention on a short-term memory task and a subsequent final recall test were used to test implications of models of human memory. The type of retention interval activity was manipulated between-Ss and length of retention interval was manipulated within-Ss. Initial tests of recall revealed an inverse performance probability for the rehearsal-interference group as interval length increased. No effects of interval length were seen for a group given unrestricted rehearsal time. Retention levels for both groups were not significantly different on the final recall test. Implications of these results for general models of memory were presented.