Estimating the effects of various clustering schemes on recall order

A model is postulated for the recall of items in free recall experiments which allows the effects of different clustering schemes on recall order to be estimated. It is also possible to investigate the interaction between two clustering schemes. Details of fitting the model and estimating the relevant parameters are presented. The use of the model is illustrated by reference to an experiment involving the recall of names of famous personalities presented in photographic form. The results of fitting the model to the data suggest that while recall order is influenced primarily by the occupational categories of the personalities (film stars, pop stars, sports personalities, etc.), the facial similarities among the personalities are also important.