Waiting for the Stimulus Suffix: Decay, Delay, Rhythm, and Readout in Immediate Memory

Abstract

The degree to which a redundant suffix impairs performance on digit lists depends on the delay between the last memory item and the suffix. A set of three experiments is offered, establishing the inadequacy of hypotheses based on simple decay of prelinguistic information, passage of time before recall, and rhythmic periodicities in attention. The delayed suffix effect is consistent with a fourth hypothesis whose emphasis is on access to precategorical auditory information through a “readout” process rather than on the sheer availability of such information.