An examination of the nature of memory reveals that the representation of knowledge cannot be separated from the uses of knowledge. The answering of questions is not a simple retrieval and response of stored information; rather the process is embedded in a general structural framework containing knowledge of the questioner, the question, and the…

The purpose of this experiment was to replicate and extend previous work which showed substantial differences between good readers (GR) and poor readers (PR) in the time taken to encode single words. The technique used was based on the memory-scanning and visual-scanning procedure first used by Sternberg. The subjects for the study consisted of 30…

After consideration of the drawbacks of such psychometrically derived theories of cognitive abilities as those of Guttman, Cattell, and Guilford, appeal is made to E. B. Hunt's "distributive memory" model and A. Newell's concept of the "production system" as possible bases for developing an alternative theory. Such a theory of…

These proceedings emphasize multidisciplineary theory and research having implications for behavioral science and/or education. The contributions deal with one or more of the following questions: (1) How can one characterize the knowledge structures which underlie behavior associated with subject matter disciplines such as mathematics and…

The purpose of the eight experiments was to assess the role which associations between two words played in recognition decisions. The evidence on weak associations established in the laboratory indicated that association was playing a small role, but that the recognition performance on pairs of words was highly predictable from frequency…

Children in kindergarten, third grade, and fifth grade were presented a list of either pictures or words (with items presented varying numbers of times on the study trail). In both picture and word conditions, half of the subjects estimated how many times each item had been presented (absolute judgments) and the other half judged which of two…

This study investigates developmental trends in free recall, with emphasis on rehearsal processes. An overt rehearsal technique was used in which 28 children in grades 3, 6, and 8 were instructed to rehearse out loud while trying to memorize a list of unrelated nouns. Control groups at each age level received standard free recall instructions,…

Eight experiments are described in this report. In experiment 1, four and five year olds were presented four verbal discrimination (VD) lists. For three of the lists all correct items were either conceptually, acoustically, or affectively similar. The fourth was a control list. The conceptual list facilitated VD learning. Experiment 2 indicated…

Recent research has shown that certain stimuli are better remembered 6 months after initial exposure than after one week. An alternative explanation of these findings was tested. The explanation posited that the younger children "remember" as well at one week as 6 months later, but at the earlier testing many do not realize what aspect…

Immediate and two-week retention were studied as a function of three levels of text readability and two levels of inserted post question (IPQ) difficulty. The IPQ treatment was modified to permit review of text after question answering. A traditional control group was required to read without marking lesson pages; and a second control was…

A battery of tests requiring sequential responses, including WISC Digit Span, WISC Picture Arrangement, ITPA Digits, and ITPA Visual Motor Sequencing, was administered to 114 children. Fifty-seven children ranging in age from 6.6 to 13.7 years were clients referred to a reading clinic for diagnosis of reading difficulties; the other 57 were…

This paper analytically reviews the literature on cognitive development, particularly as it relates to the acquisition of language. Of primary concern are the basic cognitive processes of perceptual groupings, concepts and relations, and memory. Discussed are the acquisition of language, some aspects of the nature of language and language…

This profile of significant research findings comprises a framework for analyzing and synthesizing information on the cognitive development of children. The variables used to systematize the literature search were: perception; motor development; language; conceptual activity; and learning, memory, and problem solving. The findings are arranged…

Three studies investigated some variables involved in the psychological processes related to instruction. One study looked at the influence of notetaking, length of the listening-study interval, and thematic organization of the lecture on recall. It found that more ideas were recalled when notes were taken than when notetaking was not permitted…

Cognition, not to be confused with perception, reception, or stimulus detection, is defined as relationships of sensory experiences in single-loop matrices. The reticular system of the upper brain stem is centered upon as the likely locus of sensory filtering and modification that can modulate language usage. That is, higher cognitive functions…