Effects of narrative stories on recall

Abstract

Effects of narrative stories on recall of words using lists of different interitem associative strength after different delayed intervals of recall were investigated. Sixteen lists of 10 nouns were presented to 36 Ss. Each S studies lists of different interitem associative strength. Four of the 16 lists were narrative report lists and were used only to control narrative Ss following instructions. Control Ss received a study time equal to that of their yoked narrative Ss. Ss were required to recall the lists immediately after learning, at the end of session, and either 7, 14, or 28 days later. Significant differences were obtained between the two study groups on a session recall test and on the delayed recall interval tests but not on immediate recall test. Statistical significance was also obtained among lists of different interitem associative strength; recall was greater from lists of high interitem associative strength than from either zero or low interitem associative strength. The results support and extend those reported by Bower and Clark. © 1974, The Psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.