title: Recollection is a continuous process: implications for dual-process theories of recognition memory.
abstract: Dual-process theory, which holds that recognition decisions can be based on recollection or familiarity, has long seemed incompatible with signal detection theory, which holds that recognition decisions are based on a singular, continuous memory-strength variable. Formal dual-process models typically regard familiarity as a continuous process (i.e., familiarity comes in degrees), but they construe recollection as a categorical process (i.e., recollection either occurs or does not occur). A continuous process is characterized by a graded relationship between confidence and accuracy, whereas a categorical process is characterized by a binary relationship such that high confidence is associated with high accuracy but all lower degrees of confidence are associated with chance accuracy. Using a source-memory procedure, we found that the relationship between confidence and source-recollection accuracy was graded. Because recollection, like familiarity, is a continuous process, dual-process theory is more compatible with signal detection theory than previously thought.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0109, USA.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mickes
authors.forename: Peter E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Wais
authors.forename: John T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Wixted