The role of rehearsal in joint control.

Researchers taught adults to build brand-new sequences using a joint-control setup. First, each person learned to match colored shapes to nonsense syllables. Next, they practiced saying the syllables out loud while pointing to the matching shapes.

Then came the test. A computer showed three shapes in order. The adults had to press buttons to make the same sequence. Some could whisper the syllables during the delay. Others wore headphones playing white noise to block any self-talk.

People who could rehearse the syllables got 90 % of new sequences right on the first try. Those with white noise scored only 60 %. When the team switched the groups, scores flipped too.

The data showed rehearsal was not just helpful—it was the bridge that let earlier matching practice turn into flexible sequencing.

THOMAS et al. (1963) showed pigeons need to master immediate matching before they can handle delays. Zeiler (2006) moves that idea to humans and adds an extra step: self-talk keeps the sequence alive during the gap.

Zhirnova et al. (2025) later used bidirectional naming to spark analogical relations in preschoolers without extra training. Both studies point to the same trick—give the learner an internal verbal tool and new performances pop out.

Fields et al. (1991) found that kids taught by shaping adjust faster when rules change. D’s adults had no explicit rules; their own rehearsal served as the movable rule, letting them pass entirely novel tests.

If a client can already match, try adding a short vocal or signed rehearsal step before asking for a new sequence. A whispered name, a quick chant, or even finger-spelling can act as the mediator. One minute of rehearsal practice may save ten minutes of direct drilling later.