Explaining the association between repetition priming and source memory: No evidence for a contribution of recognition or fluency.

Nicholas Lange,Christopher J Berry

doi:10.1177/17470218211008406

Nicholas Lange, Christopher J Berry

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1177/17470218211008406

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Abstract

In a conjoint memory task (measuring repetition priming, recognition memory, and source memory), items recognised as previously studied and receiving correct source decisions also tend to show a greater magnitude of the repetition priming effect. These associations have been explained as arising from a single memory system or signal, rather than multiple distinct ones. In the present work, we examine whether the association between priming and source memory can alternatively be explained as being driven by recognition or fluency. We first reproduced the basic priming-source association (Experiment 1). In Experiments 2 and 3, we found that the association persisted even when the task was modified so that overt and covert recognition judgements were precluded. In Experiment 4, the association was again present even though fluency (as measured by identification response time) could not influence the source decision, although the association was notably weaker. These findings suggest that the association between priming and source memory is not attributable to a contribution of recognition or fluency; instead, the findings are consistent with a single-system account in which a common memory signal drives responding.

Highlights

Memory can be expressed in a variety of ways, such as a change in identification or detection of an item due to previous exposure to the item or the ability to determine whether an item had been encountered before in a particular context
We replicated findings of the association of priming and recognition memory and observed the analogous association of priming and source memory: items with correct source decisions tended to have faster identification RTs. These results are consistent with a single memory signal underlying responding where greater memory strength of an item is more likely associated with greater priming, correct “old” recognition judgements, and correct source judgements
While the core assumption of a single memory signal or multiple independent memory signals is central to the predictions about the association of those memory tasks, auxiliary assumptions about the response mapping describes how responding in one task changes with responding in another

Summary

Introduction

Memory can be expressed in a variety of ways, such as a change in identification or detection of an item due to previous exposure to the item (long-term repetition priming) or the ability to determine whether an item had been encountered before in a particular context (recognition memory) Prominent theories explain these particular phenomena as being driven by distinct memory systems, signals or processes. Participants are asked to retrieve the exact context an item was studied in, such as whether it was shown in red or blue font, on the top or the bottom of the screen, or on a beach or woods background These tasks cannot be solved by relying on familiarity but require the explicit retrieval of memorial information (but see Diana et al, 2008; Taylor & Henson, 2012). In other words, priming increased with increasing confidence in the source decision, regardless of whether that decision was correct or incorrect

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