Multi-Modal Paired Associates Learning Test (MMPALT-III)

Why Paired Associates?

     The center of MMPALT is the Paired Associates concept, and paired-associates is indeed the center piece of this testing procedure. The original procedure for testing perceptual learning styles was developed by Darrell Gilley. As others followed, they continued to use the paired associates concept. Each modification of the MMPALT required a review of the paired associates idea. Knowledge of the history and origin of paired associates testing is essential to an understanding of the MMPALT.
     Paired Associates testing was first used by Hermann Ebbinghaus in his 1879-1880 research into his own learning and memory. His 1885 monograph, published in German, was later released with the English title Memory. In addition to his paired associates contribution to this current research, he was also the first to use nonsense syllables. His results, reports, and procedures involving rote learning and memory have been altered very little over the years. As Robert H. Wozniak states: …”surprisingly little has been learned about rote learning and retention that was not already known to Eppinghaus.”

Wozniak, Robert H. (1999); Classics in Psychology, 1855-1914: Historical Essays. Bristol, UK: Thoemmes Press. (Reprinted in: Classics in the History of Psychology: An Internet Resource developed by Christopher D. Green, York University, Toronto, Ontario.