Continuous recognition memory tests: are the assumptions of the theory of signal detection met?

Abstract

Two continuous recognition memory tests were administered to 20 males and 20 females using the confidence rating procedure to determine if the underlying assumptions of the theory of signal detection (TSD) are met by these tasks. Z-score transformed ROC curves proved to be straight lines parallel to the positive diagonal of the ROC graph. These findings suggest that the distributions of familiarity for old and new stimuli are normal and of equal variance for the Continuous Recognition Memory and Continuous Visual Memory Tests. TSD interpretation of test data appears to be justified.