Aggregation in memory of episodic influences on rule-guided decisions.
The authors confirmed E. Z. Rothkopf and M. L. Dashen's (1995) finding that specific problem context, such as thematic surface features, forms associative connections with deep problem features and thus speeds particular decisions (particularization). In 5 experiments, using a 3-bit decision task and pre-memorized decision rules, the authors found that the ability of a situational context to reinstate was decreased by its replacement by another modal surface context. Context reinstatement, as measured by decision speed, depended on both global and recent local densities of specific problem features linked to a particular decision. The authors' results are consistent with J. R. Anderson and L. J. Schooler's (1991) needs/odds analysis and suggest a push-down file model for diverse context influences as a mechanism for responding to changing situational demands.
Rothkopf
Ernst Z
EZ
Department of Human Development, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA. ezr2@columbia.edu
Dashen
Monica
M
Kim
Teft
T
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000465:Algorithms; D001288:Attention; D003463:Cues; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005364:Field Dependence-Independence; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D010153:Paired-Associate Learning; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D011340:Problem Solving; D011930:Reaction Time; D013028:Space Perception; D013997:Time Factors