Individual differences in spatial and identity information processing in iconic memory

The literature on iconic memory has provided conflicting evidence on the rate of loss of spatial location and identity information from iconic storage in non-retarded individuals. Some studies which have used the partial report technique indicate that information on spatial location is lost more rapidly than information on identity, while others indicate no difference in the rate of loss for the two types of information. The present investigation was a replication and extension of previous studies to help resolve the discrepancies in findings and to provide a more refined definition of what is meant by information on spatial location and identity. Correlations indicate that there may be two distinct subgroups among the borderline to mild mentally retarded population in terms of their iconic processing abilities.