INFORMATION DELAY IN HUMAN LEARNING

An experiment was conducted using a within Ss design to evaluate the effect of information delay in a continuous paired-associates learning task. The delay interval between offset of the stimulus and onset of information feedback ranged from 0 to 12 sec. The basic independent variables involved manipulating the form of activity required of S during the delay interval and the type of information feedback provided. Under one set of conditions learning showed a marked decrement with an increase in the delay period. However, for other conditions no effect was observed and for yet others learning improved with increasing delay intervals. Thus within a single experiment it was possible to isolate some of the variables that determine the effect reinforcement delay has on learning. The results were shown to be predictable from some current theories of human learning. © 1969 Academic Press Inc. All rights reserved.