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Shattered illusions: the effect of explicit memory mediation on an indirect memory test
P A Gooding1, A R Mayes, P R Meudell
1Department of Psychology, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1QE, UK. patricia.gooding@strath.ac.uk
Summary
This study investigated explicit memory in indirect memory tests. Amnesic patients showed a noise effect, suggesting non-explicit memory involvement in this auditory perception task.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Memory Research
Background:
- Indirect memory tests assess memory without conscious recollection.
- Auditory perception can be influenced by prior exposure to stimuli.
- The role of explicit memory in indirect tests remains an area of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the involvement of explicit memory in an indirect memory test.
- To determine the duration of the auditory noise effect.
- To investigate the automaticity of memory processes underlying the noise effect.
Main Methods:
- Four experiments were conducted.
- Participants judged the loudness of white noise accompanying old versus new sentences.
- Amnesic patients and healthy controls were tested.
- Time pressure and divided attention were manipulated.
Main Results:
- The auditory noise effect persisted for up to one week.
- Amnesic patients exhibited a noise effect not significantly different from controls.
- Time pressure and divided attention suggested non-automatic memory processes.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that explicit memory is not solely responsible for the observed noise effect.
- The memory processes involved may not be entirely automatic.
- Enhanced perceptual fluency is a potential mechanism underlying the effect.