Memory for logical quantifiers

Abstract

Two experiments are reported on memory for sentences involving the categorical quantifiers all, some, some not, and no. Three models are considered for quantifier memory: abstract propositional, verbal string, and abstract analog. The first experiment looked at subjects' ability to recognize studied sentences when these study sentences are mixed with distractors that vary in quantifier, underlying relationship, and word order. This experiment produced evidence that quantifier memory depends on both propositional and verbal-string information but not analog information. The second experiment looked at speed to judge quantified statements as true or false on the basis of previously memorized statements. The analog hypothesis predicted that subjects should be fastest to accept some statements having studied all and to accept some not statements having studied no. In contrast, it was found that subjects were fastest when study and test quantifiers matched. The experiments also indicated that these quantifiers are ordered in complexity of representation: all < some < no < some not, and that positive and negative sentences are represented quite distinctly. These results are consistent with the ACT propositional representations proposed. © 1981 Academic Press, Inc.