Abstract
The relation of arousal to retention in free learning was studied in a 3 by 2 design employing 48 undergraduates as Ss, three list conditions (high arousal, low arousal, and mixed list), and two retention intervals (immediate and 3 days). Arousal value of the words was based on earlier studies. Contrary to previous paired-associate studies, no significant interaction between arousal condition and retention interval was obtained, nor was reminiscence detected. However, although no significant differences were found between arousal conditions on immediate retention, significantly greater performance was elicited by high arousal at the 3-day test. The high-arousal material demonstrated greater resistance to forgetting than the low-arousal material. A differential rehearsal interpretation of the data was suggested.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Kleinsmith, L. J., & Kaplan, S. Paired-associate learning as a function of arousal and interpolated interval. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1963, 65, 190–193.
Kleinsmith, L. J., & Kaplan, S. Interaction of arousal and recall interval in nonsense syllable paired-associate learning. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1964, 67, 124–126.
Maltzman, I., Kantor, W., & Langdon, B. Immediate and delayed retention, arousal, and the orienting and defensive reflexes. Psychonomic Science, 1966, 6, 445–446.
Underwood, B. J. Degree of learning and the measurement of forgetting. Journal of Verbal Learning & Verbal Behavior, 1964, 3, 112–129.
Walker, E. L., & Tarte, R. D. Memory storage as a function of arousal and time with homogeneous and heterogeneous lists. Journal of Verbal Learning & Verbal Behavior, 1963, 2, 113–119.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This research was supported by the United States Office of Education, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Center No. C-03, Contract OE 5-10-154.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Farley, F.H. Memory storage in free recall learning as a function of arousal and time with homogeneous and heterogeneous lists. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 1, 187–189 (1973). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03334336
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03334336