Open AccessEvidence for discrete-state processing in recognition memory
Author(s) -
Jordan M. Province,
Jeffrey N. Rouder
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.1103880109
Subject(s) - task (project management) , recognition memory , computer science , state (computer science) , cognitive psychology , signature (topology) , key (lock) , artificial intelligence , machine learning , psychology , pattern recognition (psychology) , cognition , mathematics , algorithm , neuroscience , computer security , management , economics , geometry
We provide evidence that recognition memory is mediated by a detect-or-guess mental-state model without recourse to concepts of latent-strength or multiple-memory systems. We assess performance in a two-alternative forced-choice recognition memory task with confidence ratings. The key manipulation is that sometimes participants are asked which of two new items is old, and the resulting confidence distribution is unambiguously interpreted as arising from a guessing state. The confidence ratings for other conditions are seemingly the resultant of mixing this stable guessing state with an additional stable detect state. Formal model comparison supports this observation, and an analysis of associated response times reveals a mixture signature as well.
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