Why were nonsense syllables used in the earliest studies of forgetting?
A)so that the stimulus materials were simple enough that even children could read and remember them
B)so that cross-cultural comparisons of memory could be investigated using speakers of different languages
C)so that the material did not have preexisting associations in memory
D)to reduce retroactive interference

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nonsense syllables were used so that the material did not have preexisting associations in memory. This allowed researchers to study the basic processes of memory without interference from prior knowledge or experiences.

Answer: D
 Nonsense syllables were also used to reduce retroactive interference, which occurs when newly learned information interferes with the recall of previously learned information. Because nonsense syllables have no meaning, they are less likely to interfere with the recall of other information.

Why Were Nonsense Syllables Used in the Earliest Studies of Forgetting