Some of the issues associated with the lack of a precisely stated theory of memory organization are considered. The first section provides an overview of the concept of organization. Emphasis is on problems associated with the definition of organization, especially the distinction between organization as a process and as the product of a process. A definition of organization is offered that is linked to a problem solving view of list learning. The second section attempts to provide an overview of the different types of organizational processes and strategies that fall within the domain of a theory of organization. Of particular concern are the problems that have arisen because single and multiple measures of organizational strategies have been derived in the absence of specific process theories. The final section attempts to consider the strengths and weaknesses of a precisely specified theory of free recall, embodied in a computer program called Free Recall by an Associative Net (FRAN). (Author/GK)