More Modality Effects in the Absence of Sound

Two experiments examined serial recall of lists containing random orderings of the digits, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Our intention was to demonstrate active and passive modality effects with silently presented tactile input. In Experiment I, recency recall was enhanced relative to a visual control when subjects received list input by placing their palms on wooden blocks containing 1, 2, 3, or 4 vertical pegs. In Experiment 2, subjects produced their own tactile input by pressing their thumb and first, second, third, or fourth finger together to signify visual digits presented on a CRT. Recency was enhanced with the added tactile input relative to a visual-only control. The relation between these results and current theories of the modality effect is discussed. A new interpretation of the modality effect is presented.