We see from the table that the likelihood of recalling couplets in which indirect associations did not occur in learning is 63 per cent. after one day, and that there is a diminution of 44 per cent. in the next fifteen days. The fall is greatest during the second day. On the other hand, the likelihood of recalling couplets in which indirect associations did occur is 82 per cent. after one day, and there is a diminution of only 18 per cent. during the next fifteen days. The fading is also much more gradual.
It is evident, then, that in all investigations dealing with language material the factor of indirect associations—a largely accidental factor affecting varying amounts of the total material (in these six subjects from 3 per cent. to 23 per cent.) is by far the most influential of all the factors, and any investigations which have heretofore failed to isolate it are not conclusive as to other factors.
The practical value of the foregoing investigation will be found in its bearing upon the acquisition of language. While it is by no means confined to the acquisition of the vocabulary of a foreign language, but is also applicable to the acquisition of the vocabulary of the native language, it is the former bearing which is perhaps more obvious. If it is important that one become able as speedily as possible to grasp the meaning of foreign words, the results of the foregoing investigation indicate the method one should adopt.
FOOTNOTES.
[1] Kirkpatrick, E.A.: PSYCHOLOGICAL, REVIEW, 1894, Vol. I., p. 602.
[2] Calkins, M.W.: PSYCHOLOGICAL, REVIEW, 1898, Vol. V., p. 451.
MUTUAL INHIBITION OF MEMORY IMAGES.
BY FREDERICK MEAKIN.
The results here presented are the record of a preliminary inquiry rather than a definitive statement of principles.