Fuzzy-trace theory and source monitoring: An evaluation of theory and false-memory data

Abstract

Fuzzy-trace theory and the source-monitoring framework are evaluated with respect to recent data on false memory. Lindsay and Johnson discuss key findings generated by fuzzy-trace theory from a source-monitoring perspective, such as independence between recognition judgments of true and false memories, increases in false recognition through mere-memory testing, vivid false recognition—phantom recollection—through repeated cuing of gist, and false-recognition reversal, in which semantically related items are misrecognized less often than unrelated items [Learn. Individ. Differ. 7 (1995) 1; J. Exp. Child Psychol. 71 (1998) 194; Learn. Individ. Differ. 9 (1997) 95]. Lindsay and Johnson qualify core assumptions of source monitoring (e.g., source similarity is said to increase, decrease, and have no effect on source confusions and false memories; records of internal cognitive operations might not discriminate reality from self-generated representations) to accommodate these effects, as well as opposite effects. Although the power and scope of the source-monitoring perspective is evident, their approach suffers from limitations of imprecision and unfalsifiability. Nevertheless, they are to be commended for actively engaging data generated by alternative perspectives and for advancing sorely needed theoretical understanding of false-memory effects.