Why are pictures easier to recall than words?

Abstract

Pictures of objects were recalled significantly better than their names on the first two of four free recall trials. Recall for the two modes did not differ in intertriai organization but striking differences occurred as a function of input serial order. Picture superiority occurred for terminal input items on Trial 1, and both terminal and early items on Trial 2. The findings are discussed in terms of verbal and nonverbal (concrete) memory codes. © 1968, Psychonomic Journals. All rights reserved.