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Evidence for the contribution of a threshold retrieval process to semantic memory
Maria Kempnich1, Josephine A Urquhart1, Akira R O'Connor1
1a School of Psychology & Neuroscience , University of St. Andrews , Scotland , UK.
Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology (2006)
|August 6, 2016
Summary
Semantic memory retrieval involves a threshold process, similar to episodic memory. This study found evidence for this threshold process in semantic tasks, suggesting shared retrieval systems between semantic and episodic memory.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Memory Research
Background:
- Episodic retrieval is understood to involve recollection (threshold process) and familiarity (signal strength).
- Processes underlying semantic retrieval are less clearly defined.
- Dual-process models are commonly used to explain memory retrieval.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether semantic retrieval also involves a threshold process.
- To develop and test a novel dual-process signal detection model (DP-RR) for semantic recognition.
- To compare semantic and episodic retrieval processes.
Main Methods:
- Developed a semantic recognition task analogous to episodic recognition.
- Applied signal detection models, including a novel dual-process recollect-to-reject (DP-RR) model, to analyze receiver-operating characteristics (ROCs).
- Conducted two experiments with a total of 822 participants.
Main Results:
- Experiment 1 data best fit the DP-RR model, providing evidence for a threshold retrieval process in semantic memory.
- Experiment 2 revealed that estimates of threshold retrieval in semantic and episodic memory were uncorrelated within individuals.
- Findings support the idea of similar dual-process retrieval systems for both memory types.
Conclusions:
- Semantic memory retrieval appears to involve a threshold process, akin to episodic memory.
- While both memory systems may use similar dual-process retrieval mechanisms, the relationship between their specific threshold processes requires further investigation.
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