This study compares learning and forgetting of mental and mechanical t
asks. Fifty-eight subjects performed a simple mechanical and complex m
ental task repetitively. After completing half the repetitions on each
task type, each subject took a break ranging from 2 to 6 weeks before
completing the remaining repetitions. The learning and forgetting pro
cesses of the participating subjects are analyzed by fitting appropria
te models. The results of hypothesis testing regarding the relationshi
p between the learning and forgetting models of mechanical and mental
tasks are reported and discussed.