Situational frequency : an encoded or derived attribute of memory

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to test the validity of conceptualizing situational frequency as an encoded versus derived attribute of memory by using the release from proactive inhibition (PI) technique. Different words were presented 1, 2, 4 or 6 times in a presentation list, following which words of frequencies 1 (low) and 6 (high) were formed into triads for presentation in the release from PI paradigm. The results of the experiment showed that a shift from high to low or from low to high frequency between the third and fourth triads produced a significant release from PI. On a subsequent frequency judgement task, subjects' judgements accurately reflected presented frequency. The results indicate that situational frequency is encoded as one attribute of words in long-term memory.