Schema theory and prose retention: Boundary conditions for encoding and retrieval effects

Abstract

The present study was performed to determine the boundary conditions under which schemata influence the encoding and retrieval of prose. Subjects read a passage containing information important to burglars and homebuyers. Subjects were given either a burglar, homebuyer, or no perspective during reading, and either a burglar or homebuyer perspective during recall. Subjects were required to recall the passage either immediately after reading or 24 hours later. The results indicated that during immediate recall, either an encoding or retrieval perspective influenced recall. However, when recall was delayed, only the encoding perspective influenced recall. The results were interpreted in terms of schema theory and the encoding specificity principle.