Retrieval processes that produce interference in modified forced-choice recognition tests.
Recognition can suffer if the retrieval cues activate more than one trace (e.g., for Flower A and Flower A'). We found evidence for two retrieval processes by examining interference effects in forced-choice tests (e.g., "Did you see Flower A or Flower A"?). Experiment 1 provided evidence of a problem in discriminating between temporally and contextually similar traces that were formed in the study phase. A competitor (Flower A') interfered more if it was shown in the study phase rather than in the test phase. Experiments 2 and 3 found evidence for a blocking process in recognizing pairs of words (child-apple). A competitor interfered more if it was recent, shown at test rather than at study. This pattern occurred regardless of whether the competitor was similar to the target (child-orange) or dissimilar to it (child-truck). The importance of a particular retrieval process may depend on an item's representation as well as on the retrieval cues.
Chandler
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Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-4820, USA. chandler@wsunix.wsu.edu
Gargano
G J
GJ
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D002755:Choice Behavior; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D010153:Paired-Associate Learning; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D011340:Problem Solving