The effect of variation in specific stimuli on memory for their superordinates.

Abstract

One of the widely accepted notions regarding human behavior concerns the relationship between repetition-practice, exercise, frequency-and retention. Summarized by the cliche, Practice makes perfect, the general idea was given scientific status by such pioneers as Ebbinghaus and Thorndike. Its validity has, of course, not gone unquestioned. Early challengers include, among others, Gottschaldt with his data on the recognition of hidden forms,1 Dunlap in his demonstration involving 'negative practice,2 and, on the basis of results from drawing lines while blindfolded, even Thorndike himself.a More recently, the generalization has been under attack by the protagonists in the one-trial learning controversy.4