Bacharach, V. R., Carr, T. H. & Mehner, D. S. (1976). Interactive and independent contributions of verbal descriptions to children's picture memory. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 22, 492-498.

Data from a recognition memory task showed that a verbal description provided in advance of picture exposure during acquisition modifies visual encoding processes, producing an interactive effect on picture memory relative to viewing the picture without description. This supports Olson's (Language and thought: Aspects of a cognitive theory of semantics. Psychological Review, 1970, 77, 257-273.) functional theory of language usage. A description provided after a picture does not affect initial visual processing, but contributes independently to picture memory through dual coding. These effects are well established in children as young as 6 years, indicating that both may be important factors in early socially mediated learning.