Short-term memory: Are item and position information stored independently?

Arrays consisting of six digits placed at a random six of the nine positions of a 3 by 3 grid were presented tachistoscopically. After a retention interval, Ss gave two responses, one concerning the identity of the digits presented, and the other concerning the grid positions occupied. Results suggest that the position of an item in the array and the identity of the item are stored as a unit and are forgotten or retained together.