Speech-like coding of pictures in short-term memory

Memory span for pictures of common objects & for the names of these objects was examined as a function of 3 speech-related variables. Experiments 1-3 (total = 41) used variables of phonological similarity, word length, & irrelevant vocalization, respectively in tasks in which Ss were required to recall, using a deck of picture or word items, a sequence of items presented visually. Experiments 4-6 (total = 41) used similar procedures & obtained estimates of span, as before, with the up-&-down method. However, in these experiments, Ss were not required to arrange the cards in their order of presentation. Both picture span & name span were influenced by phonological similarity, length of name, & irrelevant vocalization during item presentation. Moreover, for each variable the effect was in the same direction & of comparable magnitude for the 2 item types. Findings were replicated in the free recall order studies. It was concluded that under these conditions, there is a substantial functional equivalence between short-term memory for readily nameable pictures & for words, & that this equivalence may be thought of as due to mediation by a common, "speech-like" code. 2 Tables, 20 References. Modified HA