Invariance of total learning time under different conditions of practice.

Abstract

Demonstrated that the phenomenon of total-time invariance (TTI) has a high degree of generality. Ss were 20 undergraduates. Control over temporal distribution of activities was varied by allowing Ss to (a) study each pair as long as they wished, (b) take test trials whenever they chose to, (c) both, or (d) neither. These variations did not affect total learning time to criterion. Data provided evidence for a distinction between the "nominal" and the "covert" distribution of study time. A hypothesis to account for TTI was advanced on the basis of this distinction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)