Schemata versus Dichotomous Constructs as Organizational System in Memory.

摘要

The nature of representational systems in memory was studied using a categorical form of the repertory grid and a perceptual identification task. Forty undergraduate psychology students completed a computer-administered repertory grid in which they provided attribute words to the names of 15 people (elements) familiar to them. They then categorically assigned the words to each element based on applicability. A computerized perceptual identification task was administered one week later to investigate priming effects. Conditions containing element-relevant, element-opposite words and subject-generated neutral trait words were compared, with baseline priming effects measured through the comparison of non-generated words to which the subject received prior exposure, and novel irrelevant words. This design enabled a direct comparison of schema theory and personal construct theory, with each carrying unique predictions for outcome. While both theories expected significantly greater recall of element-relevant words when compared to element-neutral, irrelevant, and previously seen words, the dichotomy corollary of personal construct theory additionally predicted priming effects for element-opposite words. Results indicated significant priming effects for element-relevant and element-opposite words when compared to element-neutral words or other controls.