REPRESENTATION OF INTENTIONS - PERSISTING ACTIVATION IN MEMORY

In 4 experiments we investigated dynamic properties of representations of intentions. After Ss had memorized 2 texts describing simple activ ities, they were instructed that they would have to later execute one of the scripts. On an intervening recognition test, words from the to- be-executed script produced faster latencies than did words from a sec ond to-be-memorized script. This intention-superiority effect was obta ined even when (a) selective encoding and poststudy imagery or rehears al of the to-be-executed script was prohibited and (b) subjects expect ed a final free-recall test for both scripts. In a control condition i n which subjects had to observe someone else executing a script, laten cies for words from the to-be-observed script did not differ from neut ral words. In conclusion, representations of intentions show a heighte ned level of subthreshold activation in long-term memory that cannot b e accounted for by the use of controlled strategies.