MODALITY DIFFERENCES IN SHORT-TERM SERIAL MEMORY AS A FUNCTION OF PRESENTATION RATE

9-digit sequences were presented in the visual mode and auditory mode for immediate recall under comparable conditions to 90 undergraduates. 3 interitem intervals of .6, 1.2, and 2 sec. were used in each mode, with item duration held constant. The number of correct items recalled in the correct order, prior to an error or omission, was significantly greater for the presentation in the visual mode at the longer interitem intervals of 1.2 and 2 sec. This superiority of the visual mode over the auditory mode at the slower rates of presentation was interpreted as evidence for the presence of a more flexible rehearsal strategy in the visual mode. This strategy allows S to rehearse earlier items in an acoustic code while storing recent items in the visual preperceptual system. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.