The Influence of Isolation on the Learning of Surrounding Materials

The degree to which an experience stands out from its fellows is an important determinant of the ease with which it can be recalled and this proposition has long been accepted by psychologists as a principle of learning.

Abstract

The degree to which an experience stands out from its fellows is an important determinant of the ease with which it can be recalled. This proposition, readily apparent to the layman, has long been accepted by psychologists as a principle of learning. Most of the sets of 'Laws of Association' propounded by the British Associationists contained a law of 'Vividness.' More recently, Von Restorff modified and sharpened the concept and made it an important part of gestalt learning theory.' Her work pointed out that 'vividness' is a relative matter and suggested that 'isolation' was a more accurate descriptive term.