Two experiments are reported in which recall of the same information is compared following different priming passages. In one case the subjects were primed by material that was consistent with the content of the main passage; in a second case, the priming introduced information in conflict with it. It was found that inconsistent priming led to…

Defining mathemagenics as adjunct aids that can be used in textual situations to enhance learning, this paper places a new perspective on mathemagenics research as well as on practical considerations derived from that research. Specifically, the paper addresses two questions: (1) Which explanatory concepts--degree of processing, selective…

Interest in mathemagenics (adjunct aids used in text to enhance learning) has most likely resulted from the indirect effects of inserted postquestions, whereby the learning of unquestioned material is enhanced as well as that of questioned material. However, since most mathemagenics research has occurred in laboratory settings in which subjects…

This study combined research on conceptual hierarchies and research on conceptual cues, for the purpose of measuring the effectiveness of combining supplementary cues with text material that has been organized hierarchically. It was hypothesized that subjects provided with hierarchical cues would score higher on post-tests measuring comprehension…

In a series of experiments, it was found that asking questions about information in a prose sequence while it is being presented can affect the degree to which that prose material is stored as a unitized whole, and that this in turn will affect how well that prose is remembered. (Editor)

Describes two experiments in which high school students who studied a map/prose combination expected either a spatial/locational or verbal/event posttest. Results indicate test expectation instructions significantly influenced kinds of information students were able to recall, and type of preinstructional expectation had a pronounced effect on how…

This study investigated the possible contribution of pictures serving a representation function to the recall and retention of information presented in written prose passages. The primary variable considered was the durability of picture effects; a second variable concerned the potential effect the presence of pictures had on the recall of…