Some characteristics of retrieval limitation in long-term memory

Two variables were considered as potentially relevant to limitations on retrieval from long-term memory: category size and retrieval cues. The experiment involved a multitrial free recall design where each presentation was followed by three successive recall phases. The proportion recalled per recalled category and the consistency among the specific words recalled on the three phases of each trial (a) were higher for cued than for noncued subjects, and (b) varied as an inverse function of category size. Given a small category and an experimentally defined retrieval strategy, recall was essentially perfect after several trials.