Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

The Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) Task: A Simple Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate False Memories in the Laboratory
Published on: January 31, 2017
Recall of false memories in individuals scoring high in schizotypy: memory distortions are scale specific
Jo Saunders1, Jordan Randell, Phil Reed
1Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK. j.saunders@swan.ac.uk
Background And Objectives:
Previous research has indicated abnormal semantic activation in individuals scoring higher in schizotypy. In the current experiment, semantic activation was examined by using the Deese-Roediger-McDermott paradigm of false memories.
Methods:
Participants were assessed for schizotypy using the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings (OLIFE). Participants studied lists of semantically related words in which a critical and highly associated word was absent. Participants then recalled the list.
Results:
Participants high in Unusual Experiences and Cognitive Disorganization recalled more critical non-presented words, weakly related studied words, and fewer studied words than participants who scored low on these measures.
Limitations:
Previous research using the cognitive-perceptual factor of the Schizotypy Personality Questionnaire found reduced false memories, while the Unusual Experiences subscale of the OLIFE was associated with more false memories. Both scales cover similar unusual perceptual experiences and it is unclear why they led to divergent results.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest that subtypes of schizotypy are associated with abnormal semantic activation.
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