Sequential Constraints in Letter Lists

Abstract

The effects on performance of sequential constraints in letter lists were investigated in an experiment which required Ss to inspect and subsequently recognize items and to sort cards on the basis of this recognition. It was reasoned that the results would indicate whether the effects of sequential constraints in retention tasks are due mainly to a process of reconstruction by which Ss make use of language habits to guess at items not remembered in redundant sequences or whether processes at earlier stages within verbal tasks are affected by sequential constraints. The results support the latter suggestion.