UNLEARNING AS A FUNCTION OF SECOND-LIST DOMINANCE

In the A-B, A-C paradigm, single interpolation (A-C) leads to less unlearning of first-list responses than does multiple interpolation (A-C, A-D, etc.) with a constant number of interpolated trials. It has been assumed that an increase in the strength of second-list responses (dominance) reduces elicitation of first-list responses during IL and thereby reduces unlearning. The present study was an attempt to manipulate the amount of unlearning in multiple-interpolation groups by varying second-list dominance prior to the introduction of new lists. Recall of first-list responses on an unpaced test was higher after single interpolation than after multiple interpolation, and the degree of second-list dominance achieved prior to the introduction of new lists had no effect on recall in the multiple-interpolation groups. © 1969 Academic Press Inc. All rights reserved.