STUDIES IN INFORMATION PROCESSING THEORY: SIMILARITY AND FAMILIARITY IN VERBAL LEARNING,
Abstract
This Memorandum presents results obtained by simulating various verbal learning experiments with the Elementary Perceiving and Memorizing Program (EPAM), an information processing theory of verbal learning. Predictions were generated for experiments manipulating intra-list similarity (Underwood); inter-list similarity (Bruce); and, familiarity and meaningfulness. The stimulus materials were nonsense syllables, learned in paired-associate fashion. A description of the EPAM-III model is given. The predictions made by the model are generally in good agreement with the experimental data. It is shown that the quantitative fit to the Underwood data can be improved considerably by introducing a process of ''aural recoding.'' The fit of the EPAM predictions to the Chenzoff data is particularly significant since it lends support to the hypothesis that the mechanism by means of which a high degree of meaningfulness of items facilitates learning is the high familiarity of these items. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0430739
Entities
People
- Edward A. Feigenbaum
- Herbert Simon
Organizations
- RAND Corporation