Related Experiment Videos
Intention and awareness in perceptual identification priming
A Richardson-Klavehn1, M G Lee, R Joubran
1University of California, Los Angeles.
Memory & Cognition
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Retrieval intentionality influences memory retrieval, impacting both priming and recognition. Differences in intentionality, not just awareness, explain memory retrieval variations in direct and indirect tests.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Memory Research
Background:
- Retrieval intentionality is crucial for understanding memory performance.
- Direct and indirect memory tests can yield different results.
- Previous models struggled to explain dissociation patterns in memory retrieval.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of retrieval intentionality in direct versus indirect memory tests.
- To examine the relationship between perceptual identification priming and recognition memory.
- To challenge existing models of memory retrieval.
Main Methods:
- Manipulated data-driven versus conceptually driven processing during encoding.
- Administered direct (intentional retrieval) and indirect (unintentional retrieval) memory tests.
- Analyzed perceptual identification priming and recognition memory performance.
Main Results:
- Observed a crossed double dissociation between priming and recognition in indirect tests.
- Found priming increased with recognition in direct tests (reversed association).
- Awareness of old items was high in indirect test subjects, suggesting intentionality, not awareness, is key.
Conclusions:
- Retrieval intentionality, not just subjective awareness, explains dissociation between direct and indirect memory measures.
- Existing models need revision to account for the observed reversed association.
- Findings highlight the distinct mechanisms underlying intentional and unintentional memory retrieval.