Measurement of Clustering and of Sequential Constancies in Repeated Free Recall

Abstract

An operational version of Underwood's distinction between response recall and associative hook-up is applied to the analysis of sequences of freely recalled items. This distinction contrasts what are designated respectively as item properties and order properties. Formulas derived from this rationale are proposed for the assessment of clustering and the development of constancies in the sequential ordering of successive free recalls of given stimulus items. Consideration is given to the diversity of identifiable ordering effects in free recall.