Effects of prior knowledge and elaborate processing on retention of connected discourse were studied. Using the mean scores of the control group from each condition, derived scores were calculated for experimental groups. Results indicate prior knowledge and elaborative processing operate to diminish retroactive interference generated by reading a…

In this study on the interactive effects of advance organizers and reasoning skills, 112 undergraduates read a literature text preceded by either a comparative advance organizer or a placebo introduction. Results suggest that instructional organizers produce neither serious loss nor substantial benefits for many purposes of communication. (BS)

A review of recent studies indicates that gifted learners spontaneously produce more effective learning strategies than comparison groups and benefit from the use of more complex, externally provided strategies. Implications include the use of slower presentation rates for new information, spatial organization of prose content, and…

Presents a "procedural view" of the learning mind, arguing against previous theories citing physical properties as its basis. A more process-oriented view of information processing is offered, which describes "mind" in terms of skill in manipulating symbols, and the notion of skills is shown to provide a useful framework for accounting for…

This paper provides experimental demonstration of remindings during learning and examines their effect on performance, as well as effects of practice and difficulty. Three experiments examining the occurrence, effects, and conditions of remindings are presented, and the implications for theories of cognitive skill learning are discussed.…

Sets up a model in which the functioning of the brain is seen in terms of a computer's operations; then considers the applications of such a model to foreign language teaching and learning, with particular emphasis on feedback and simulations. (KM)

Describes a study of the recall of narrative prose. Serial structure at first influenced which elements were remembered, but as the Ss remembered more, the story grammar structure became the dominant influence over the elements remembered. (Author/RM)

This study examined the relationship between arousal and short- versus long-term memory of auditorally presented continuous information as would be experienced in a typical classroom lecture environment. (Author/RK)

Sixty college students formed mixed conceptual categories in original learning (e.g., PEACH, SHIRT, PANTS, and PEAR; and SHOE, ORANGE, DRESS, and APPLE). They were then required to perform either a reversal shift or a conceptual shift. Results are discussed in relation with mediation theory. (Editor/RK)

A list of 25 nouns containing five sets of five words beginning with a different initial letter was presented for five learning trials. Categorized lists were recalled better than uncategorized; free recall was better than cued. (Author/KM)