Category accessibility effects in a simulated exemplar-based memory

Abstract

A quantitative model of long-term memory is applied, in the form of a computer simulation, in an attempt to reproduce several known properties of social priming or category accessibility effects. This exemplar-only model, developed by Hintzman, involves the storage and retrieval of specific experiences, without any representation of abstract schemas, constructs, or prototypes. It successfully reproduces several basic findings concerning effects of priming on category accessibility, including the cumulative impact of several primes, the greater influence of priming with behavior descriptions versus trait labels, and the over-time change in the relative impact of frequent versus recent priming. The simulation not only accurately reproduces current findings, but also makes new predictions that can be empirically tested. the simulation is useful in evaluating the extent to which a simple model of the storage of specific experiences can account for these effects. Conversely, it may also permit identification of points at which such an account is inadequate and requires supplementation by other processes.