Learning Multiple Lists at the Same Time in the Hebb Repetition Effect

In short-term ordered recall, when 1 list of items is repeated over the course of the experiment, recall performance typically improves. This is known as the Hebb repetition effect (Hebb, 1961). In the present study, we contrasted the typical condition involving a single repeated sequence with concurrent learning of 2 repeated sequences. Participants performed a spatial recall task, in which sequences of 7 dots were presented in each trial. For a given participant, the location of the dots were the same for all trials. Presentation order of dots varied randomly, except for 1 or 2 particular series that were repeated every 4 trials. Results revealed a significant learning slope for both the single and dual list conditions and learning was as efficient in both conditions. The findings provide further evidence in support of models linking the Hebb repetition effect to word-form learning.