Multi-level factors affecting immediate and delayed concept recall in concept mapping with adult learners

Multi-level factors affecting immediate and delayed concept recall in concept mapping were examined across 716 concepts nested within 57 concept maps from adult learners. At the concept level, we examined a concept’s serial positioning, autobiographical elaboration (AE), and elaborative encoding. At the map level, we examined the compositional effects of AE and elaborative encoding while controlling for the number of concepts in a map. For concepts, we found a curvilinear effect of serial positioning on immediate recall, and a linear effect of elaborative encoding on immediate and delayed recall. No AE effect was found. Concept level effects of elaborative encoding and AE did not accumulate at the map level. The number of concepts in a map, however, did affect the likelihood of immediate recall and, to a lesser extent, delayed recall. Limitations and implications for research and practice are discussed.