Time pressure prevents relational learning

The study investigated the effect of prior experience on two different reasoning tests (Raven's Matrices and Figural Analogy). Each test was divided into two equivalent subtests. Subjects took one subtest either with or without time pressure, after either doing the other subtest as a learning experience under time pressure, or doing it without pressure, or not having the learning experience at all. Time pressure decreased scores for the second subtest. Prior experience of the other subtest under time pressure had no clear effect on scores compared with the no-experience condition. Prior experience without time pressure improved scores (by 25%) for the group taking the second subtest under time pressure but not the scores of the group taking the second subtest without time pressure. We interpret this as meaning that the time pressure prevents relational learning, but such learning can occur within a test when time pressure is relaxed.