When does rapid presentation enhance digit span?

Abstract

Trace-decay theory suggests that rapid presentation should lead to good immediate memory. On the whole, empirical evidence does not support this prediction. It is suggested that this is because articulatory rehearsal allows functional rate of presentation or re-presentation to be independent of nominal presentation rate. It is predicted that if rehearsal is prevented by articulatory suppression, then digit span should be greater with rapid than with slow presentation. Experiment 1 shows that suppression during presentation but not during recall does lead to an advantage to rapid presentation. Experiment 2 shows that, if suppression occurs during both presentation and recall, this advantage is lost. It is suggested that rapid presentation is advantageous, but only if items can be retrieved within the 1-2 sec required for trace decay. © 1984, The psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.