In two experiments, "proactive inhibition" was observed in the free recall of a succession of 15-word lists. RecalI performance declined aeross lists when all lists were drawn from the same taxonomie category (e.g., occupationx), But this deeline did not appear when the successive lists were drawn from diserete subcategories (such as "professional" and "skilled manual" occupations). The findings clarify the conditions in which proactive inhibition effects in free reeall are likely to oceur. Specifically, when the set of items on any one list is more homogeneous than the set of items from all Iists taken together, "proactive inhibition" will be attenuated.
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