Short-term memory: Effects of acoustic similarity, presentation rate and presentation mode

The effects of four variables on short-term tremory were studied: Presentation Rate (20, 60 or 180 items/min.), Presentation Mode (visual or auditory), Acoustic Similarity (High, BCDEGPTVZ or Low, HJLOQRWXY), and Length of Sequence (6 or 8 items). Performance varied inversely with the Length of Sequence and Acoustic Similarity and directly with Presentation Rate. A significant Presentation Rate by Presentation Mode interaction was explained on the basis of less available time for rehearsal at the fast presentation rate due to the time required for the implicit translation from visual input to the storage of auditory cues.