Abstract
Temporal coding has been studied by examining the perception and reproduction ofrhythms and by examining memory for the order of events in a list. We attempt to link these research programs both empirically and theoretically. Glenberg and Swanson (1986) proposed that the superior recall of auditory material, compared with visual material, reflects more accurate temporal coding for the auditory material. In this paper, we demonstrate that a similar modality effect canbe produced in a rhythm task. Auditory rhythmscomposed of stimuli of two durations are reproducedmore accurately than are visual rhythms. Furthermore, it appears that the auditory superiority reflects enhanced chunking ofthe auditory material rather than better identification of durations.
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This research was funded by National Science Foundation Grant BNS 8416300 and Univeristy of Wisconsin Graduate School Grant 890200 awarded toArthur Glenberg and by a University of Wisconsin Trewartha Grant to Menachem Jona. The coding model was developed as part of the second author’s senior honors thesis.
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Glenberg, A.M., Jona, M. Temporal coding in rhythm tasks revealed by modality effects. Memory & Cognition 19, 514–522 (1991). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03199576
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03199576