On the Problem of Selection in Iconic Memory

von W right J. M. On the problem of selection in iconic memory. Scad J. Psychol ., 1972, 1 3 , 159–171.—Conditions determining the selection of items in iconic memory were analysed. The accuracy of partial reports and the strategies adopted by the subjects varied regularly as a function of the mode of report as well as of the subject's uncertainty about the type of response he would be asked to make. By varying these factors, the apparently conflicting results of previous studies could be fairly well replicated. In optimal conditions, selection by simple physical characteristics was efficient whereas selection by class (letterslnumbers) remained difficult. Similar results were obtained when precue and postcue conditions were compared. The role of output interference and of the subjects' encoding and response strategies are discussed.