Various reported measures of clustering in free recall are reviewed under categories of algebraic versus probabilistic approaches. Shortcomings in these measures are outlined and a new multi-dimensional measure is advanced which overcomes many of the deficiencies noted. (Author)

This experiment investigated the assumption that children's learning and retention of prose material can be differentially affected by varying discrepancy from expectation (as established by an advance organizer). It was hypothesized that a passage which differed significantly from expectation would produce heightened arousal, which should in turn…

This experiment tested the hypothesis that paired-associate learning accompanied by high arousal should lead to stronger permanent memory and weaker immediate memory than paired-associate learning accompanied by low arousal. During continuous recording of skin resistance and heart rate as measures of arousal, 32 Ss were given a one-trial,…

This report focuses on memory research, using 'interestingness' as a variable in paired-associate (PA) learning and retention. Nine PA lists were constructed from 'interestingness' ratings (high, medium, and low) on both stimulus and response sides, and controls over associative properties of stimulus and response terms. Subjects (162) were…

The present experiment tested the hypothesis that learning under conditions of high arousal should lead to stronger permanent memory and weaker immediate memory than learning under conditions of low arousal. When digital vasoconstriction was used as the measure of arousal, the results confirmed the hypothesis. Learning under high and low arousal…

The effects on short- and long-term recall of words varying in arousal value inserted into prose were studied in 720 fifth-grade children. A 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 design was used consisting of two levels of word arousal value (high and low), two retention intervals (immediate and one week), two directions of the to-be-recalled words from the inserted…

This study examines the effects on long-term retention of variations in intensity and temporal parameters of arousal following a single learning trial in a paired-associate task. Intensity of arousal was manipulated by using two levels of noise, 75 db. and 90 db., and a condition without noise. Noise was delivered to the 56 female university…

The contribution to learning of the learning materials' arousal properties was investigated using degree of interest of the stimulus and response terms as the index of arousal. Words equated on meaningfulness, imagery, and concreteness and rated as high (H), medium (M), and low (L) in interest were used to represent the 3 levels of interest, and…

Evidence has accumulated indicating that high arousal or activation facilitates long-term retention (LTR) but depresses short-term retention (STR) relative to low activation in list learning. The present study extended this research to the learning and retention of text by children. It specifically investigated the effects of questions inserted…

The relation of arousal to retention in free learning was studied in a 3 x 2 design employing 48 undergraduates as Ss, three list conditions (high arousal, low arousal, 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…

In three experiments employing 60 Ss, arousal was manipulated by white noise during paired-associate, serial, and free learning in an effort to investigate the relationships of arousal and long-term recall. Previous research suggested that high arousal in the paired-associate paradigm leads to better retention relative to low arousal. The present…

This study examined the effects on long-term retention of variations in intensity and of temporal parameters of arousal following a single learning trial in a paired-associate task. The subjects were 56 female university students. Intensity of arousal was manipulated by using two levels of white noise--75 decibels and 90 decibels sound pressure…

The effects of imagery instructions, word arousal value, and retention interval on children's literal and inferential comprehension of text was studied using 459 grade 3, 4 and 5 students. Imagery instructions significantly facilitated inferential comprehension on the short-term retention test but this effect disappeared a week later. On the other…

The effects of arousal on literal and inferential comprehension of text over short- and long-term retention intervals were studied using 369 elementary school children. Putative arousal manipulations were of two types: expectation and deviations from expectation as established by an advance organizer followed by text that for different…

Reminiscence, or an increase in retention scores from a short-to-long-term retention test, has been shown in some previous work to be a significant function of arousal. Previous studies of the effects of color versus black-and-white audiovisual presentations have generally used film or television and have found no facilitating effect of color on…