Distinctiveness effects in recognition: A new look at some old views
Abstract
The present investigations were focused on the effects of distinctive processing on recognition performance. Distinctive processing refers to processing that involves discriminations among encoded items. Two types of distinctiveness are proposed: Episodic distinctiveness is defined by the lack of overlap among features encoded in an experimental context. Generic distinctiveness is defined by lack of overlap between an item's encoding, and its pre-experimental encodings. The present experiments involve orthogonal manipulation of the two types of distinctiveness. In Experiment 1a, the combined effect of high generic and high episodic distinctiveness had a detrimental effect on recognition. Experiment 2 involved presenting the encoded features again at test to cue recognition; cuing did not change the pattern. In Experiments 3 and 4, a new cuing procedure was employed with an alternative-forced-choice recognition test. Without a cue, the combined effect of high episodic and generic distinctiveness lead to the poorest performance, but cuing recognition raised performance in the condition to the level of the others. The results are discussed in relation to encoding specificity, possible processes involved in recognition, and previous literature reporting positive effects of distinctive processing. Important factors in determining the effectiveness of a distinctive cue are discussed.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Nairne, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Psychology|Experiments
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.