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Cue-framing effects in source remembering: a memory misattribution model.
Ian G Dobbins1, Daniel McCarthy
1Department of Psychology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA. idobbins@wustl.edu
Memory & Cognition
|March 8, 2008
Summary
Source memory accuracy differs based on retrieval cues. An item memory misattribution model explains this cue-framing effect by how item recognition influences source judgments, a prediction confirmed by experiments.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Memory Research
Background:
- Source remembering accuracy can vary based on retrieval cue framing.
- Existing theories propose active monitoring strategies influence this cue-framing effect.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the Item Memory Misattribution (IMM) model's prediction of a quantitative relationship between recognition levels and the cue-framing effect.
- To investigate the role of item memory availability in source attribution.
Main Methods:
- Manipulating item recognition levels through study repetitions.
- Assessing the cue-framing effect across different source memory tasks.
- Simulating predictions using the IMM model.
Main Results:
- Experimental data confirmed the IMM model's prediction of a quantitative relationship between recognition and the cue-framing effect.
- The cue-framing effect was observed even in novel source tasks.
- Study repetitions significantly influenced recognition levels and the observed effect.
Conclusions:
- The cue-framing effect in source memory is partly explained by the uncontrolled use of item recognition.
- Item memory availability acts as a heuristic in confirmatory source judgments.
- Findings support the IMM model and highlight the interplay between item and source memory.
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