The Nature of Set-to-Learn and of Intra-Material Interference in Immediate Memory

Abstract

The influence of set on learning has previously been demonstrated under conditions where set could affect either the selection of stimuli in perception or their subsequent rehearsal. With both these possibilities excluded, set was still found to have a strong influence on learning: this suggests that set can somehow facilitate the formation of the memory trace when a stimulus is perceived. Two forms of intra-material interference were shown to occur during the recall period. The attempt to recall one part of the material presented interfered with, and was itself impaired by, the attempt to retain the part yet to be recalled.