Asch and Ebenholtz Revisited: A Test of the Doctrine of Associative Symmetry

Summary

This experiment examined the effects of item availability and processing level on a test of associative symmetry. Following an incidental learning task in which similarities or differences were found between 64 paired associates, 166 male and female college students were administered either a free- or a cued-recall test. A control group of 10 Ss was given intentional learning instructions followed by a cued-recall test. Asymmetry favoring forward associations resulted from intentional learning instructions, while incidental learning instructions resulted in symmetry when first and second members of paired associates were equally available. There was no evidence indicating that symmetry was a function of processing level.