An Analysis of Interference in Continuous Association within Multiple Categories

Abstract

Ss named items from 3 conceptually unrelated word categories for 18 min. under two conditions. In the concurrent, Con ( N = 53), all categories were shown simultaneously and Ss allowed to shift from category to category at will. In the sequential, Seq ( N = 52), the separate categories were presented in succession for 6 min. each. The Seq emissions for corresponding 30-sec. periods in each category were aggregated into successive 90-sec. periods of total adjusted sequential, AS, output. Compared with the AS, the Con condition showed significantly lower output and lengthened interword latencies but only during the first 3 min., comprising about half of Ss' productions. Significantly greater “turbulence” in the flow of Con than Seq associations was inferred from temporal oscillations in Ss' response sequences. These effects were attributed to greater interference in the Con condition, imposed mainly by intercategory competition. Interference seemed to diminish along with Ss' word supplies. Further applications of the present paradigm were suggested.