The notion of contextual locking: Previously learnt items are not accessible as such when appearing in a less common context

Amotz Perlman, Yaakov Hoffman, Joseph Tzelgov, Emmanuel M. Pothos, Darren J. Edwards

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

We examined the effect of context on the learning of spatial coding in four experiments. Two partially overlapping sets of stimuli, which had the very same stimulus–response spatial coding, were presented in unique contexts. Results show contextual locking—that is, response times to the very same item in a more common context (80%) were significantly shorter than those in a less common context (20%). Contextual locking was obtained both when the context was more salient (Experiments 1 and 2) and less salient (Experiments 3 and 4). In addition, results were obtained even when contextualization seemed less necessary (Experiments 2 and 4). Binding of information to context is discussed in relation to chunking, transfer effects, and practical applications pertaining to professional training.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)410-431
Number of pages22
JournalQuarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology
Volume69
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 3 Mar 2016

Keywords

  • Binding
  • Context
  • Implicit
  • Memory

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • General Psychology
  • Physiology (medical)

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