Effect of spacing presentations on retention of a paired associate over short intervals.

Abstract

3 experiments varying the interval between 2 presentations of paired associates were reported. Other pairs filled the spacing and retention intervals. Pairs consisting of a word and a number as well as pairs consisting of 2 words showed a superiority at 8 sec. and longer retention intervals when presentations were spaced. Increasing the spacing interval beyond 8 sec. did not increase recall, when a 2-sec. rate of presentation was used. A 2-factor explanation of the findings was suggested, in which cue learning was the major factor influencing recall at longer retention intervals, while a 2nd factor was confounded with cue learning at short retention intervals. An initial investigation varying the time interval between two presentations of an individual pair of associates has been reported (Peterson, Hillner, & Saltzman, 1962). Using a technique described earlier (Peterson,