21 The Ubiquitous Role of Preparation

A preparation-theory hypothesis of the psychological refractory period was supported by a step function relating RT (reaction time) to ISI (intersignal interval) for constant ISIs with adequate controls. The contribution of probability effects was demonstrated with varied ISIs. Preparation theory proposes that RT is an inverse function of available preparation capacity, which is apportionable but which may be shared. Equations derived from preparation models for the effect of number of alternatives, both equally and unequally probable, fit existing data reasonably well. Experiments on the aged support the distinction between preparatory ability and its control.

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