How to catch a fish: The memory and representation of common procedures∗

Recall for descriptions of common procedures was analyzed to assess the effects of two dimensions of organizational structure on memory: Hierarchical structure and relational density and showed better memory for statements with high relational density than those with low relational density.

Abstract

Recall for descriptions of common procedures was analyzed to assess the effects of two dimensions of organizational structure on memory: Hierarchical structure and relational density. Previous studies have related memory to the organization of discourse contents by constructing canonical tree structure representations that are generated by constituent grammars. In contrast, the present study scaled statements in passages along organizational dimensions based on answers that subjects gave to questions about the passages. Patterns of recall showed (a) better memory for superordinate statements than the relatively subordinate statements, and (b) better memory for statements with high relational density than those with low relational density. These organizational effects successfully predicted recall in excess of preexperimental acquisition base rates for the statements, that is, the frequency of mentioning the statements without prior presentation of a passage. In addition, recall was not affected by input contiguity and the serial position of the statements.