Einstein, G. O., Pellegrino, J. W., Mondani, M. S., & Battig, W. F. (1974). Free-recall performance as a function of overt rehearsal frequency. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 103(3), 440-449.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0037165
Examined overt and silent rehearsal conditions under simultaneous and successive free-recall list presentation, using unrelated words on a varied-order multitrial list and on another list with 1 isolated item. Ss were 20 undergraduates in each of 5 conditions. Simultaneous presentation produced better recall and increased rehearsals which were more consistent both with input and recall output orders than under successive presentation, but neither showed substantial relationships of rehearsal to recall organization. Item rehearsal-recall correspondences were minimal on later trials, reflecting maximal rehearsal of newly recalled items. Isolated-item recall was markedly facilitated despite the fact that there was no increase in rehearsals, contrary to D. Rundus's 1971 findings. Thus, notable exceptions exist to any causal dependence of free-recall performance upon rehearsal activity. Possible explanations are discussed. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)