Recall-to-Reject in Recognition: Evidence from ROC Curves

Author: Rotello C.M.   Macmillan N.A.   van Tassel G.  

Publisher: Academic Press

ISSN: 0749-596X

Source: Journal of Memory and Language, Vol.43, Iss.1, 2000-07, pp. : 67-88

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Abstract

Dual-process models of recognition assume that recognition judgments are based on a fast-acting familiarity-based process and a slower, more accurate, recall-based process. Often, the recall process is assumed to operate as a recall-to-reject process in which mismatching information that is retrieved from memory is used to reject test foils that are similar to studied items. In four experiments, we use receiver operating characteristic curves to evaluate the evidence for a recall-to-reject process in recognition judgments. Recall-to-reject emerged in item recognition and was especially apparent when participants were explicitly told that it was an appropriate strategy. Recall-to-reject also emerged in associative-recognition tasks in which sufficient time was allowed for a recall process to contribute to the recognition judgments.