The objective of the present study was to replicate a qualitative prediction, that prior relevance information is predicted to be a powerful performance variable, in the context of other variations as well as to assess new quantitative predictions for these conditions based on the theoretical work. (Author/RK)

A factorial experiment which combined solution-word frequency, pre-problem-solving tasks, and S's spelling ability. (Author)

Results supported the hypotheses that the emphasis on speed: (a) has a detrimental effect on the performance, (b) is inherent in a test-like situation, and (c) can be reduced by emphasizing in the instructions to Ss the detrimental effects of speed on the achievement of solution. (Author/CB)

Results were interpreted in terms of an initial tendency for Ss to guess in order of frequency followed by a change to guessing words at the appropriate frequency level. (Author)