Narrative and visual-spatial recall: Alternate forms, Learning trial effects, and geriatric performance

Abstract We report three studies that elaborate on the findings of Freides and Avery (1991) who showed that representation of verbal narrative and complex figure stimuli leads to an increase in memory after a subsequent delay rather than the decrease that occurs following single presentations. In the first study, alternate forms are devised and test-retest reliabilities are estimated. In the second, the locus of improvement is examined by administering an additional recall trial immediately after re-presentation of the stimulus. In the third study, findings from a sample of elderly subjects are reported.