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Influence of encoding instructions and response bias on cross-cultural differences in specific recognition
Laura E Paige1, Selen Amado1, Angela H Gutchess1
1Brandeis University, 415 South St., MS 062, Waltham, MA 02453, USA.
Culture and Brain
|April 14, 2018
Summary
Cultural differences in memory specificity may stem from response bias, not memory sensitivity. Encoding instructions did not amplify these cross-cultural memory variations between Americans and East Asians.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Previous research indicates cultural variations in memory recall, with some studies showing Americans remembering more perceptual detail than East Asians.
- Conflicting findings exist, potentially due to variations in encoding instructions used during memory tasks.
- This study investigates the conditions under which cultural differences in memory emerge and the influence of specific decision-making instructions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of different encoding instructions (Purchase vs. Approach decisions) on memory performance across cultures.
- To determine if cultural variations in memory specificity are modulated by these encoding instructions.
- To investigate the role of response bias versus memory sensitivity in observed cross-cultural differences.
Main Methods:
- American and East Asian participants were presented with images of objects.
- Participants made either a 'Purchase' or 'Approach' decision for each image.
- A surprise recognition test was administered to assess memory performance.
Main Results:
- Americans exhibited higher hit rates for specific memory and a less stringent response criterion compared to East Asians, irrespective of the decision type.
- The 'Approach' decision enhanced specific memory hit rates compared to the 'Purchase' decision when the 'Approach' task was administered first, a pattern consistent across both cultures.
- Encoding instructions did not significantly magnify the existing cross-cultural differences in memory.
Conclusions:
- Cross-cultural differences in response bias, rather than differences in memory sensitivity, likely explain variations in memory specificity.
- Encoding instructions do not appear to be the primary factor amplifying cross-cultural memory differences.
- Future research should consider response bias when examining cultural influences on memory.
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