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Updated: May 7, 2026
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Published on: August 9, 2016
Intelligence as it relates to conscious and unconscious memory influences
Steve Joordens1, Darlene Walsh, Antonia Mantonakis
1Department of Psychology.
Summary
Higher intelligence is linked to conscious memory strategies, not unconscious memory or mental speed. This suggests intelligence differences stem from strategic thinking, not processing speed.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Individual differences in intelligence are a long-standing area of research.
- The role of conscious versus unconscious memory processes in cognitive abilities remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between intelligence and distinct memory processes (conscious and unconscious).
- To determine if intelligence differences are associated with conscious strategic memory use or automatic processing.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Jacoby's process-dissociation procedure to estimate conscious and unconscious memory influences.
- Correlated intelligence measures with these memory estimates across multiple experiments.
- Manipulated the ability to engage conscious strategies by varying learning time.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was found between intelligence and conscious memory.
- No significant relationship was observed between intelligence and unconscious memory influences after accounting for conscious contributions.
- When conscious strategies were hindered (e.g., insufficient learning time), the observed relationships between intelligence and memory were eliminated.
Conclusions:
- Individual differences in intelligence are primarily associated with variations in conscious, strategic memory processes.
- Results do not support the hypothesis that intelligence differences are due to variations in mental speed or automatic memory processes.
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