Encoding and high-speed memory scanning of retarded and nonretarded adolescents.

A choice reaction-time experiment was performed in order to assess the encoding and memory-scanning processes of nonretarded and retarded adolescents. Random forms were used as stimuli, with stimulus-set sizes of 2, 3, and 4. The encoding process was evaluated by means of a stimulus-quality manipulation. The results indicated that both the rate of encoding and memory scanning are related to level of intellectual functioning. In addition, evidence suggesting an interdependence of these memory processes, at least for the retarded subjects, was revealed.