Strategy of the free recall of a categorized word list

Four groups of Ss (fourth-form pupils and adults, of above average and average intelligence) were trained in categorical strategy at learning a categorized list. Their reproduction protocols were compared in quantitative and several qualitative indicators with the reproduction protocols of four equal groups who had reproduced the same list, but without training. The trained Ss gave a better performance than the untrained ones and the degree of their superiority was in relation to the degree of mastering the categorical strategy. The pupils used spontaneously rather the serial strategy, while adults the categorical. The above-average intelligent Ss of both age groups approached the memory task more actively and strategically.