Comparison of semantically and phonemically based training procedures in an overlearned naming task

This article presents a pilot study in which the effects of overlearning on two learning tasks were compared. One task used semantically based trainin g cues (deep processing) in the training; the other used phonemically based cues (shallow processing). 30 subjects were trained on the names of comple x visual stimuli, using one of the two training procedures until 200% overl earning was accomplished. Naming probes were conducted 1 mk., 1 mo., and 6 mo. after training was completed. Analysis indicated no significant differe nce between the two conditions. Several factors may have contributed to thi s finding, including the possibility that overlearning masked potential dif ferences between the two training procedures.