Categorical encoding in short-term memory by retarded and nonretarded children.

The use of consonants and digits as encoding categories in short-term memory by 32 EMR children and 32 nonretarded children of the same CA was investigated. The task employed was a modification of the release from proactive inhibition technique similar to that used by Wickens, Born, and Allen (1963). Results indicated that digits and consonants are significant categories used for encoding in short-term memory by 10- to 12-year-old EMR and nonretarded children but that nonretarded children more effectively utilize consonant material as an encoding dimension than do CA-matched EMR children.