Evidence for a memory threshold in second-choice recognition memory responses.
A fundamental question in the study of cognition is whether memory strength varies continuously or whether memories sometimes fall below a threshold and fail completely. Previous studies examining this question have relied exclusively on 1 method--receiver operating characteristics--so in the current study, we addressed this issue by using a completely different approach. We tested memory for single items and for arbitrary associations (e.g., memory for random word pairs) by using a 4-alternative forced-choice test in which subjects either made a single choice or a first and a second choice. In item recognition, single- and second-choice scores were directly related, as expected if a continuous strength signal supported performance. In contrast, in associative recognition, single- and second-choice scores were found to be unrelated, as predicted by high-threshold theories. However, when the word pairs were encoded as single compound words rather than arbitrary associations, associative recognition appeared to rely more on a continuous strength process. The results support memory models that include both a continuous familiarity process and a threshold recollection process.
Parks
Colleen M
CM
Psychology Department, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154-5030, USA.
Yonelinas
Andrew P
AP
D000293:Adolescent; D001244:Association; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008960:Models, Psychological; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult