Direct and indirect stimulus-frequency effects in recognition

Subsequent recognition of stimuli perceived in a given situation was studied in relation to stimulus familiarity as determined by frequency in observers' prior experience. To distinguish direct and indirect frequency effects, on the basis of selective memory retrieval and selective attention during learning, respectively, rigorous controls were imposed on stimulus rehearsability and learning conditions. As predicted by a global memory model, both hits and false alarms on recognition tests increased as a function of prior frequency in a concordant pattern that indicates a direct effect, in contrast with the usual indirect effect of varying normative word frequency. Understanding the role of experiential stimulus frequency in recognition may further the interpretation of research in such paradigms as eyewitness testimony.