When we learn a serial list by using the organization strategy, the organizational structure may be strengthened as the serial learning proceeds. The purpose of the present study is to clarify the effect of the organization of the first learning on the second learning (transfer task). Ss were divided into 4 groups having the different degrees of the first-list learning, each meeting the criterions: 1/2 perfect trial, 1 perfect trial, 3 successive perfect trials and 5 successive perfect trials. The result sufficiently supported the hypothesis that negative transfer appeares in a U-shaped curve. Amount of negative transfer increased with the strengthening of the organization of the first learning and then decreased with the more strengthening of it.
