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Cross-modality priming in stem completion reflects conscious memory, but not voluntary memory.
A Richardson-Klavehn1, J M Gardiner
1Division of Psychology, University of Westminster, 309 Regent St., W1R 8AL, London, England, a.r.klavehn@wmin.ac.uk.
Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
|November 12, 2013
Summary
Involuntary retrieval can occur with awareness, challenging the idea that conscious memory is always voluntary and unconscious memory is always involuntary. This study explores retrieval intentionality and cross-modality priming.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience of Memory
Background:
- The relationship between retrieval intentionality and awareness in memory retrieval is complex.
- Distinguishing between voluntary and involuntary memory processes is crucial for understanding conscious and unconscious memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether cross-modality priming in stem-completion tests reflects involuntary retrieval.
- To examine the role of awareness in both incidental and intentional retrieval tasks.
- To determine if involuntary retrieval is always unaccompanied by memorial awareness.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of incidental and intentional stem-completion tests.
- Utilizing an on-line measure of awareness during incidental retrieval.
- Employing a process-dissociation analysis for intentional retrieval.
Main Results:
- Cross-modality priming confirmed involuntary retrieval in incidental tests.
- However, awareness measures indicated only within-modality transfer of involuntary retrieval.
- No cross-modality transfer of involuntary retrieval accompanied by awareness was observed.
Conclusions:
- Involuntary retrieval can occur with memorial awareness.
- Conscious memory should not be solely equated with voluntary retrieval.
- Unconscious memory should not be solely equated with involuntary retrieval.
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