EFFECTS OF TRAINING UPON FREE RECALL IN MENTALLY RETARDED ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Ninety-six mentally retarded adolescents were asked to recall 16 words from 4 conceptual categories on 4 consecutive trials. On the first 2 trials, equal number of subjects were presented either a randomly organized list (random presentation) or a list which were organized into categories (blocked presentation). In both presentation condition, recall were free or constrained. On the last 2 trials, all subjects received a randomly organized list and recalled freely. Results indicated that subjects in the constrained condition recalled more than those in the free recall condition and blocked presentation fascilitated clustering. The experience with organized list increased the amount of correct recall and fascilitated clustering on later trials only when the same verbal materials were used.