THE MEMORY INDEPENDENCE EFFECT - WHAT DO THE DATA SHOW - WHAT DO THE THEORIES CLAIM

We attempt to reconcile recent data and theory showing that transitive inference does not depend on premise memory with Chapman and Lindenberger's (1992) conclusion that the opposite is true. We focus on three weak links in their analysis. First, a methodological variable (spatial-magnitude correlations) that Chapman and Lindenberger deem to be essential to findings of memory independence appears to be irrelevant to such findings. Second, their own data favor memory independence when properly analyzed. Third, some of Chapman and Lindenberger's theoretical proposals, particularly regarding fuzzy-trace theory's analysis of reasoning-remembering relationships in cognitive development, conflict with statements in the cited references. We conclude that the available evidence overwhelmingly favors memory independence. © 1992.