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Interactive visual imagery and memory search for words and pictures.
1University of Wisconsin, 53706, Madison, Wisconsin.
Memory & Cognition
|February 3, 2011
Summary
This study found that memory search is serial, not simultaneous, even when using interactive imagery. This applies to both word and picture recognition tasks, challenging previous findings.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human Memory
- Experimental Psychology
Background:
- Short-term recognition memory involves recalling previously presented information.
- Previous research suggested simultaneous memory search with interactive imagery.
- Interactive imagery is known to facilitate performance in certain memory tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature of memory search in short-term recognition memory.
- To determine if interactive imagery leads to simultaneous memory search.
- To compare memory search processes for words and pictures.
Main Methods:
- Subjects performed recognition memory tasks using words or pictures.
- Experimental conditions included sub-vocal rehearsal, separate visual imagery, interactive imagery, and covert sentence composition.
- Response times (RTs) were measured to infer memory search processes.
Main Results:
- A serial memory search was observed across all conditions, including those with interactive imagery.
- Contrary to expectations, simultaneous scanning was not found even with combined interactive images.
- Picture stimuli also resulted in a serial search, with longer RTs for larger memory sets.
Conclusions:
- Memory search in short-term recognition tasks appears to be serial, regardless of imagery strategy.
- The findings challenge the hypothesis of simultaneous scanning facilitated by interactive imagery.
- The study suggests that memory search may not be simultaneous when test stimuli are part of a larger memory representation.
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