Long-term memory for performed and observed actions: retrieval awareness and source monitoring.
The self-performed task (SPT) paradigm was employed to investigate incidental memory for action events, focusing on states of awareness at retrieval (Remembering-Knowing) and source monitoring in performed and observed actions, at delays of 1 and 2 weeks. Recognition was better for performed than observed actions, but this effect was visible only after 1 week of retention. Conversely, observed actions were associated with better source memory at both delays. When the source was correctly identified, performed and observed actions were accompanied by equal proportions of Remember judgements. However, when source monitoring was incorrect, performed actions were more frequently associated with a feeling of re-experiencing the original event, thus suggesting an enactment-related recollective superiority, although secondary to the availability of reliable contextual information.
Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Italy. alberto.manzi@unina2.it
Alberto
A
Manzi
Giovanna
G
Nigro
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D012153:Retention, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014706:Verbal Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*