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Identifying the basis for the word frequency effect in recognition memory

R E Guttentag1, D Carroll

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA.

Memory (Hove, England)
|September 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary
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The word frequency effect in recognition memory, where low-frequency words are remembered better, is mainly due to recollection, not familiarity. This suggests word frequency impacts memory retrieval processes.

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Recognition memory relies on recollection and familiarity.
  • The word frequency effect (WFE) shows better recall for low-frequency words.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if the WFE in recognition memory stems from recollection, familiarity, or both.
  • To determine the underlying mechanisms of the WFE in memory.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted four experiments testing recognition memory.
  • Utilized Jacoby's inclusion/exclusion paradigm to differentiate recollection and familiarity.
  • Assessed memory for study context related to word frequency.

Main Results:

  • Low-frequency words showed superior memory for contextual details compared to high-frequency words.

Related Experiment Videos

  • The inclusion/exclusion paradigm indicated the WFE is primarily driven by recollection.
  • Evidence suggests word frequency influences recollection-based recognition memory.

    • Conclusions:

    • The word frequency effect in recognition memory is predominantly a recollection-based phenomenon.
    • Findings challenge existing theories by highlighting the role of recollection in WFE.
    • Word frequency significantly impacts the recollection component of memory retrieval.