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Related Experiment Videos

Mental models and the fan effect.

G A Radvansky1, R T Zacks

  • 1Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1117.

Journal of Experimental Psychology. Learning, Memory, and Cognition
|September 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Fan effect experiments show faster retrieval of object facts per location than location facts per object. This challenges propositional network models, suggesting mental models explain these memory retrieval patterns.

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Human Memory
  • Information Processing

Background:

  • Fan effect experiments traditionally explained using propositional network models.
  • These models predict increased retrieval time with more associations to a concept.
  • Previous research has not fully explained certain retrieval patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate retrieval patterns in fan effect experiments that deviate from propositional network predictions.
  • To explore alternative representational accounts for memory retrieval.
  • To present empirical data challenging existing models.

Main Methods:

  • Three experiments were conducted using a speeded-recognition test.
  • Participants retrieved facts associated with single locations and single objects.

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  • The number of associations among concepts was controlled across conditions.

    • Main Results:

    • Subjects retrieved facts about multiple objects associated with one location faster than facts about multiple locations associated with one object.
    • No fan effect was observed when retrieving object facts per location.
    • Equivalent number of associations were present in both experimental conditions.

    Conclusions:

    • Findings are not readily predicted by propositional network models.
    • Data support a mental model representational account of memory.
    • Suggests a shift in understanding how complex information is retrieved and represented in memory.