Stimulus classification strategies in an information reduction task

Conducted 3 experiments, each using a slightly modified form of the Sternberg information reduction task. 117 university students participated. Data of Exp I indicate that the Ss may have been changing their information processing strategy to make the classifications as a function of the probability...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of experimental psychology. General 1978-06, Vol.107 (2), p.159-186
Main Authors: Briggs, George E, Thomason, Spencer C, Hagman, Joseph D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Classification (Cognitive Process)
Human
Human Information Storage
Memory
Probability Judgment
Reaction Time
Response Bias
Strategies
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Summary:Conducted 3 experiments, each using a slightly modified form of the Sternberg information reduction task. 117 university students participated. Data of Exp I indicate that the Ss may have been changing their information processing strategy to make the classifications as a function of the probability of occurrence of the items in the memorized set. The changes appeared to be in the number and order of tests of different hypotheses concerning the classification of the test stimulus. Exp II was primarily a test of predictions concerning the distributional characteristics of the observed reaction times. Data support the hypothesis of changing strategy. Exp III was a test of predictions concerning the effects of different constraints on the time allowed for processing the stimulus upon the number of correct responses and upon the direction and magnitude of response bias. Again, the obtained data support the hypothesis that changes in stimulus classification strategies in the Sternberg information reduction task occur as a function of the probability of occurrence of items for the memorized set.
ISSN:0096-3445
1939-2222
DOI:10.1037/0096-3445.107.2.159