The survival processing advantage with the use of binary decisions

When information is processed in the context of survival, it is particularly well remembered: the survival processing advantage. This effect has been obtained virtually by using word-rating tasks in which participants judge the relevance of words to a survival scenario using Likert scales. Here, we wanted to examine whether the survival processing advantage could be obtained using binary decisions. Participants had to quickly decide whether words were relevant in a survival scenario by giving either binary ("yes" or "no") or graded responses (using 5-point scales). These conditions were compared with pleasantness ratings, which were also given quickly as either binary or graded responses. In Study 1, the survival effect was replicated in the form of correct recall rates for graded ratings given without any time constraint. In Study 2, we found that the use of binary (vs. graded) responses did not alter the survival effect in correct recall rates. Clustering analyses provided little evidence of greater categorical clustering in the survival than in the pleasantness condition and revealed no reliable difference between the binary and graded decisions. Overall, there were more intrusions in the survival condition than in the pleasantness condition in Study 1, while only a trend was observed in Study 2. However, these were not affected by the type of response. Our studies extend the generality of the survival effect in memory and provide relevant information for discussing the potential involvement of elaboration as a proximate mechanism of this effect.