Abstract
A 2(type of changes in BGC: random vs. alternation) x 2(context: same vs. different) mixed factorial design was used. Forty-six undergraduates individually learned 30 words simultaneously presented triads of words against a BGC and oral free recall was tested after a 30-sec filled retention interval. A signal for recall was presented against a BGC throughout the test. Recalled items were classified as same- and different-context items according to whether the BGCs at study and test were the same or different. BGCs were presented as A-BAABABBA-B in random condition and as A-BABABABA-B in alternation condition. Significant context effects were found regardless of the type of changes. Clustering by screens was significant, but not for clustering by colors. These results imply that the changes in BGCs can produce context effects. The items were associated with the currently-presented BGC but not with the same BGC before and after the currently-presented BGC.
