EXPERIMENTAL TESTS OF A MODEL CONNECTING 3 INVARIANCE HYPOTHESES ON LEARNING AND MEMORY PROCESSES

A model combining three previously unrelated invariance hypotheses on different learning and memory processes is presented and tested in fiv e experiments. According to this model, the mean number of learning tr ials required to reach a pre-defined performance criterion obeys both a refined Total-Time-Hypothesis and Nevelski's Hypothesis of a constan t long-term memory span. As a consequence, the information processed i n one learning trial must increase with the presentation time accordin g to a hyperbolic function. This first prediction was confirmed in Exp eriment I. A second prediction is that the asymptote of this learning curve reflects limited resources of the phonological loop. This predic tion was successfully evaluated in Experiments 2 and 3. The third pred iction posits that articulatory suppression affects not only the memor y span but also the asymptote of the learning curve. The data of Exper iments 4 and 5 were consistent with this predicition. Altogether, the results suggest that the model might be a useful tool in integrating r esults from different branches of research in learning and memory.