Evaluation of six multinomial models of conscious and unconscious processes with the recall-recognition paradigm

Six multinomial processing-tree models (W. H. Batchelder & D. M. Riefer, 1999), which include parameters representing conscious and unconscious memory processes, were tested using the recall-recognition paradigm. Data from 2 experiments were fit equally well by 3 of the 6 models. One model recognition was an extension of the generate-recognize model (L. L. Jacoby, 1998), and another was an extension of the non-high-threshold model (D. M. McBride & B. A. Dosher, 1999). The 3rd model was the source evaluation model (D. M. McBride & B. A. Dosher, 1999). Values of the parameters of 2 of these 3 models, excepting the non-high-threshold model, responded to experimental manipulations in accordance with the meaning of the parameters. The equivalence of models with regard to goodness-of-fit tests is discussed as is how experiments can be designed to demonstrate the superiority of one model over another. The potential usefulness of these models in the study of amnesia is considered.