Process dissociation, single-process theories, and recognition memory

J Exp Psychol Gen. 1995 Dec;124(4):352-74. doi: 10.1037//0096-3445.124.4.352.

Abstract

According to the assumptions of L. L. Jacoby's (1991) process dissociation method, performance in recognition memory is determined by the combination of an unconscious familiarity process and a conscious intentional recollection process. The process dissociation method is used to produce estimates of the contributions of the 2 components to recognition performance. This article investigates whether the method provides the correct estimates of components if performance actually depends on only a single process or on 2 processes different from those assumed by the method. The SAM model (G. Gillund & R. M. Shiffrin, 1984) was used to produce simulated data based on a single process. Variants of SAM with 2 processes and R. C. Atkinson and J. F. Juola's (1973) 2-process model were used to produce data based on 2 processes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cognition*
  • Humans
  • Mathematics
  • Memory* / physiology
  • Mental Recall / physiology
  • Models, Psychological*
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Signal Detection, Psychological
  • Unconscious, Psychology*