Does implicit memory extend to legal and illegal nonwords?
In 4 experiments, implicit and explicit memory for words and nonwords were compared. In Experiments 1-2 memory for words and legal nonwords (e.g., kers) was assessed with an identification (implicit) and a recognition (explicit) memory task: Robust priming was obtained for both words and nonwords, and the priming effects dissociated from explicit memory following a levels-of-processing manipulation (Experiment 1) and following a study-test modality shift (Experiment 2). In Experiment 3, priming for legal and illegal nonwords (e.g., xyks) was observed on an identification task, and the effects dissociated from explicit memory following a levels-of-processing manipulation. Finally, in Experiment 4, significant inhibitory priming for legal nonwords was observed when a lexical-decision task was used. Results suggest that implicit memory can extend to legal and illegal nonwords. Implications for theories of implicit memory are discussed.
Bowers
J S
JS
Psychology Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77251.
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D007807:Language Tests; D008568:Memory; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D013067:Speech Perception; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis