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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
07:13
A Two-interval Forced-choice Task for Multisensory Comparisons
Published on: November 9, 2018
Serial position effects in 2-alternative forced choice recognition: functional equivalence across visual and auditory
Andrew J Johnson1, Christopher Miles
1Department of Psychology, Coventry University, UK. andrew.johnson@coventry.ac.uk
Memory (Hove, England)
|December 24, 2008
Summary
This study shows that memory recall depends on the task, not the presentation format. Backward testing in a recognition task reveals two-item recency, regardless of visual or auditory input.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Experimental Psychology
Background:
- The serial position function's dependence on task versus modality is debated.
- Previous research suggested modality-specific memory systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that the serial position function is task-dependent.
- To investigate if backward testing in a 2-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) paradigm shows single-item recency across modalities.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments used nonword sequences presented visually and auditorily.
- Articulatory suppression was employed in Experiment 2 to control for subvocal rehearsal.
- Recognition performance was assessed using 2AFC testing under forward and backward conditions.
Main Results:
- Qualitatively equivalent serial position functions were observed for visual and auditory stimuli in 2AFC backward testing.
- Backward testing revealed two-item recency, while forward testing resulted in a flat function.
- Articulatory suppression confirmed task-dependency and showed a slight decrease in recognition accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the task-dependency of the serial position function.
- Results suggest a visual memory system supporting visual-verbal material storage.
- The observed two-item recency challenges prior models of single-item recency in backward recognition testing.
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