Maylor, Elizabeth A.. (2002) Serial position effects in semantic memory: reconstructing the order of verses of hymns. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, Vol.9 (No.4). pp. 816-820. ISSN 1069-9384

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Abstract

Serial position effects (primacy and recency) have been consistently demonstrated in both short- and long-term episodic memory tasks. The search for corresponding effects in semantic memory tasks (e.g., reconstructing the order of U.S. presidents) has been confounded by factors such as differential exposure to stimuli. In the present study, the stimuli were six-verse hymns that would have been sung from the first to the last verse by churchgoers on numerous occasions. Participants were presented with the verses of each hymn in random order and were required to reconstruct the correct order. Primacy and recency effects were significantly more evident for churchgoers than for nonchurchgoers. Moreover, error gradients were steeper than chance for churchgoers but not for nonchurchgoers; in other words, churchgoers' errors were more likely to be close to the correct position than further away. These findings provide the first unequivocal demonstration of serial position effects in semantic memory.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Psychology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Semantic memory, Hymns — Metrics and rhythmics , Memory -- Testing
Journal or Publication Title:	Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
Publisher:	Psychonomic Society
ISSN:	1069-9384
Date:	December 2002
Volume:	Vol.9
Number:	No.4
Number of Pages:	5
Page Range:	pp. 816-820
Identification Number:	10.3758/BF03196340
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/9997

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