Memory for logical quantifiers
Abstract
In 2 experiments, memory for sentences involving the categorical quantifiers all, some, some not, and no was evaluated. Three models are considered for quantifier memory: abstract propositional, verbal string, and abstract analog. Exp I looked at 40 undergraduates' ability to recognize studied sentences when the sentences were mixed with distractors that varied in quantifier, underlying relationship, and word order. Results show that quantifier memory depended on both propositional and verbal-string information but not analog information. Exp II with 15 undergraduates examined Ss' speed to judge quantified statements as true or false on the basis of previously memorized statements. The analog hypothesis predicted that Ss 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 Ss were fastest when study and test quantifiers matched. The experiments also indicate that these quantifiers were ordered in complexity of representation: all < some < no < some not, and that positive and negative sentences were represented quite distinctly. Results are consistent with the propositional representations proposed by the American College Testing program. (32 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2003 APA
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