Two experiments indicated that immediate recall of word lists is accomplished by a complex process in which a few words register immediately. These are commonly words which mark the beginning or end of lists and are recalled either alone or as the beginning or end points of short sequences. (Author/GC)

Examines the extent to which the structure of simple conversations influences the subsequent memorability of dialogues. (FL)

A discussion is given concerning possible interactions of balance with spatial ability and M-space, i.e., the span of short-term memory. Thirty graduate statistics students were the subjects in an investigation that revealed a sizable Balance by spatial by M-space triple interaction. (Author/AH)

Performance on tasks of memory and of attention was consistently interrelated for nonlearning disabled children and less consistently so for learning disabled subjects. Hyperactivity was also related to poorer performance on the cognitive measures. (Author/DB)

Employed a two-factor analysis of variance design to investigate gender differences in recollections of parent-to-parent violence. In two samples females reported more parent-to-parent violence than males. These differences occured independently of self-reported histories of the subjects' own violence. (Author)

Points out problems associated with the language of textbooks and the development of reading-related skills (e.g., reading maps and charts). Discusses specific teaching strategies for coping with textbook language and facilitating text comprehension and memory. (JM)

Tested for the effects of differential word familiarity and one versus two semantic tasks on recall in young and older adults following semantic processing. The results demonstrated that word familiarity and number of processing tasks both had a strong effect on recall. (Author)

Taking a test on a passage one has just studied is known to enhance later retention. This effect was influenced by the type of initial test used. It was evident in the case of the initial short-answer test, but not in the case of multiple choice and free recall tests. (Author/RD)

To examine developmental aspects of auditory sensory memory, a series of experiments was conducted on the stimulus suffix effect with the primary variables being age of subject (7 and 11 years), rates of presentation, and length of list. Effects were nearly identical across age groups when a fast presentation rate was used. (Author/DB)

Examined the effectiveness of rehearsal training and strategy awareness to train groups of mildly retarded and normal children in using mature information processing techniques. Recall scores on a training task were influenced by rehearsal training, but neither the rehearsal and strategy conditions nor their combination influenced recognition of…

Investigated seven eight-year-old children's memory for aurally presented sentences. Used a recognition-memory task to probe constructive memory processes in two groups differentiated by reading comprehension. Results indicated the tendency to construct meanings was greater in children who scored higher on reading comprehension. (Author)

Describes development, rationale, and potential uses of a scale designed for use in conjunction with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised or the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Suggests this scale may provide information on a variety of aspects of memory function in individuals with whom the scale is utilized. (Author)

Compared verbal and visual encoding using the picture superiority effect. One experiment found an interaction between age and type of material. In other experiments, the picture superiority effect was found in both age groups with no interaction. Performing a semantic-orienting task had no effect on recall. (Author/RC)

Discusses some of the problems encountered in listening to and understanding a second language, and some means to overcome these problems. Addresses particularly three areas: (1) the difficulty in remembering messages contained in extended speech, (2) the impact of speed and slurring on comprehension, and (3) the student's lexical knowledge. (MES)

Spatial span (Corsi's block tapping) and verbal span (Wechsler Digits Forward) were measured in 1113 children (ages 4-10) from urban and rural districts of Italy. The urban group performed significantly better on both tests. Sex differences, favoring boys, were found only on the spatial span test. (Author/SJL)