The role of overt errors in serial rote learning.

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Abstract
Previous evidence suggested that frequency of overt errors and rate of learning serial lists were not associated. The present study undertook to produce wide differences in overt error frequency by appropriate instructions concerning the making of errors. One group was instructed to respond as often as possible by guessing; another group was instructed never to say a response unless they were sure it was correct. A third group 255[1955] HUMAN GENETICS 2696-2703 was allowed to respond normally. Each group of 24 Ss learned 3 serial lists of nonsense syllables, one each day, for 3 days. The results show that marked differences in overt error frequency per trial were produced by the instructions but that no measurable differences in rate of learning were associated with error frequency per trial. It is concluded that differential reinforcement in serial learning does not depend upon frequency of overt errors and that such reinforcement will take place as effectively when the errors are covert.
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