Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Memorization-Based Training and Testing Paradigm for Robust Vocal Identity Recognition in Expressive Speech Using Event-Related Potentials Analysis
Published on: August 9, 2024
Factors affecting the retrieval of famous names
Isabel Pavão Martins1, Clara Loureiro, Susana Rodrigues
1Language Research Laboratory, Unidade Neurológica de Investigação Clínica (UNIC), Lisbon Faculty of Medicine, IMM, Hospital de Sta Maria, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal. isabel_martins@fm.ul.pt
Abstract:
Tests of famous faces are used to study language and memory. Yet, the effect of stimulus properties on performance has not been fully investigated. To identify factors influencing proper name retrieval and to probe stimulus-specific parameters within proper name lexicon, we analysed the results obtained by 300 healthy participants on a test of famous faces that includes 74 personalities. A factor analysis yielded five main factors that were characterized by language (national or foreign names), epoch of peak popularity (current, recent or past) and occupation (politicians, entertainment and sports) of the personalities. Multiple regression analysis showed that participants' education, age and gender accounted for 10-32% of the variance in factor scores. These results indicate that there are variables of the stimulus and participants' that must be taken into account in proper name testing and in designing tests aimed to differentiate age-associated difficulties from cognitive decline.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Factors Influencing Attraction VI: Personality Traits
Serial Position Effect
Retrieval
Recall involves accessing information without cues, such as during an essay test, where individuals must retrieve facts and concepts from memory unaided. Another example is remembering the name of a colleague...
The Representativeness Heuristic
The Availability Heuristic
Factors Influencing Attraction I: Proximity

