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Central response selection is present during memory scanning, but hand-specific response preparation is absent
M Heil1, E Hennighausen, M Ozcan
1Department of Psychology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany. heil@mailer.uni-marburg.de
Psychological Research
|February 1, 2000
Summary
This study shows that while memory scanning involves response selection, it does not involve hand-specific preparation. This suggests preliminary information processing occurs before response selection, challenging serial stage models.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Experimental Psychology
Background:
- Memory scanning research investigates cognitive processes involved in retrieving information from short-term memory.
- Previous studies suggest response selection occurs during memory scanning, but the timing of response-hand preparation remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate findings on response selection and hand-specific preparation during memory scanning.
- To investigate the stage at which response-hand specific preparation occurs relative to response selection.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1 utilized the Late Positive Potential (LRP) as an index of response-hand specific preparation.
- Experiment 2 employed a response priming paradigm to assess response selection, observing the consistency effect.
Main Results:
- Replication of Ilan and Miller's findings was achieved.
- Response selection was confirmed during memory scanning, indicated by the consistency effect.
- Hand-specific response preparation was found to be absent during memory scanning, as indexed by the LRP.
Conclusions:
- Central response selection occurs during short-term memory scanning.
- Hand-specific response preparation is not initiated during memory scanning.
- Memory scanning appears to interfere with the process of hand-specific response preparation.