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Recognition memory for source and occurrence: the importance of recollection
Joel R Quamme1, Christina Frederick, Neal E A Kroll
1Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA. jquamme@ucdavis.edu
Memory & Cognition
|November 27, 2002
Summary
This study shows that the dual-process model better explains recognition memory than the unequal-variance model. Recollection is crucial for memory judgments, even when familiarity is also useful.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Memory Research
Background:
- Recognition memory relies on recollection and familiarity.
- Dual-process and unequal-variance signal detection models offer different explanations.
- Previous studies show the dual-process model excels when familiarity is less useful.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the dual-process model against the unequal-variance model in source recognition.
- To investigate the role of recollection when familiarity is potentially useful.
- To determine if unequal-variance assumptions can replace recollection in signal detection models.
Main Methods:
- Participants performed a list-discrimination task involving strong studied, weak studied, and new items.
- Source recognition accuracy was analyzed.
- Performance data were compared between the dual-process and unequal-variance models.
Main Results:
- The dual-process model provided a superior account of performance compared to the unequal-variance model.
- Evidence suggests the unequal-variance assumption is not a substitute for recollection.
- Recollection was actively used in recognition judgments, even with available familiarity cues.
Conclusions:
- The dual-process model is more effective for understanding source recognition.
- Recollection plays a vital role in recognition memory, independent of familiarity.
- Signal detection models need to account for distinct recollection and familiarity processes.