The Role of Imagery in Incidental Learning

Incidental (INC) and intentional (INT) subjects were given one of two orientating tasks requiring response to 18 high‐imagery (I) and 18 low‐imagery (N‐I) noun stimuli equated for m and frequency of usage. The subjects either responded with a set to image stimuli at inspection (IMG set) or responded to stimuli in terms of their familiarity (FAM set). Independent groups of 18 subjects were allocated to each of the four experimental conditions and groups were equated for sex of the subject; the subjects were tested for free recall and recognition of I and N‐I stimuli. It was predicted that if imagery plays a special role in INC learning, the difference in recall of I and N‐I words would be greater for INC as compared to INT learning. The hypothesis was supported for FAM set in recognition where I and N‐I stimuli were most differentiated. Type of orientating task was related to the presence or absence of the predicted effect

Audiology · Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Developmental psychology · Free recall · Linguistics · Mental image · Noun · Recall · Set (abstract data type) · Task (project management) · Deception detection and forensic psychology · Memory Processes and Influences · Psychology

• Depth of processing and the retention of words in episodic memory.

  Fergus I M Craik, Endel Tulving•Journal of Experimental…•1975

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