Accuracy of recall using keyset and telephone dial, and the effect of a prefix digit

Abstract

"A test of immediate memory for eight-digit messages was given 24 female telephone operators, using four different recall conditions. It was found that the presence of a redundant prefix significantly worsened recall. When the message was transcribed onto a 10-digit keysender, recall was not significantly better than when transcribed onto a telephone dial. But when a prefix digit was introduced, the dial proved to be an inferior method of transcription." No evidence was found for systematic confusion of digits when recall errors were analyzed digit by digit. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)