Capacity limits in list item recognition: evidence from proactive interference.
Capacity limits in short-term recall were investigated using proactive interference (PI) from previous lists in a speeded-recognition task. PI was taken to indicate that the target list length surpassed working memory capacity. Unlike previous studies, words were presented either concurrently or sequentially and a new method was introduced to increase the amount of PI. On average, participants retrieved about four items without PI. We suggest an activation-based account of capacity limits.
Cowan
Nelson
N
Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, 210 McAlester Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. CowanN@missouri.edu
Johnson
Troy D
TD
Saults
J Scott
JS
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011334:Proactive Inhibition; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011930:Reaction Time; D021641:Recognition, Psychology