Recognition memory for the meaning and surface structure of sentences.

Conducted 2 experiments with a total of 56 undergraduates. A forced-choice recognition test measured the retention of surface structure for incidentally acquired sentences. Memory for the strictly surface (nonsemantic) characteristics of sentences did not differ significantly from chance when Ss were constrained to concentrate primarily on semantic analysis. However, in conditions where Ss were expected to pay attention to the wording of sentences (judging sentences for grammaticality), surface structure was clearly remembered. Memory for surface structure was a function of the level at which sentences were processed at input. (20 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).