Large individual differences in free recall

TL;DR

This study reveals significant individual differences in free recall performance, including total recall and recall dynamics, with some properties linked to executive control, highlighting variability in memory processes across individuals.

Contribution

It demonstrates large individual differences in free recall measures and explores their correlations, providing insights into variability in memory performance.

Findings

Large individual differences in free recall measures.

Initial recall variability correlates with total recall.

Memory properties are relatively uncorrelated.

Abstract

Using single factor ANOVA I show that there are large individual differences in free recall ({\eta} ranges from 0.09-0.26) including the total recall, the balance between recency and primacy, and the initial recall (subsequent recalls show smaller individual differences). All three memory properties are relatively uncorrelated. The variance in the initial position may be a measure of executive control and is correlated with total recall (the smaller the variation, the larger the recall).