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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Comparing the Frequency Effect Between the Lexical Decision and Naming Tasks in Chinese

Comparing the Frequency Effect Between the Lexical Decision and Naming Tasks in Chinese

Published on: April 1, 2016

Reversing the phonological similarity effect.

J S Nairne¹, M R Kelley

¹Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1364, USA. nairne@psych.purdue.edu

Memory & Cognition

|March 24, 1999

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The phonological similarity effect in short-term memory can reverse after distraction, improving order retention for similar-sounding items. This occurs when different items are used each trial, suggesting a discrimination-based memory process.

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Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Neuroscience
Memory Research

Background:

The phonological similarity effect is a well-established finding in short-term memory research.
This effect typically demonstrates poorer order retention for lists of similar-sounding items.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the conditions under which the phonological similarity effect might be reversed.
To explore the role of item distinctiveness and distraction in short-term memory order recall.

Main Methods:

Three experiments were conducted manipulating item similarity, item distinctiveness across trials, and retention intervals.
Participants completed short-term memory tasks involving ordered recall of item lists.

Main Results:

Experiments 1 and 2 showed a reversal of the phonological similarity effect after brief distraction when unique items were used per trial, improving order retention for similar lists.
Experiment 3, using the same items across trials, replicated the standard phonological similarity effect, with poorer performance for similar lists.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that the phonological similarity effect is not absolute and can be modulated by factors like item discrimination and post-list distraction.
Results support a general discrimination framework where items are represented in a multidimensional space, influencing memory performance based on list and within-list dimensions.