Metamemorial Influences in Recognition Memory: Pictorial Encoding Reduces Conjunction Errors

Authors

Marianne E. Lloyd, Seton Hall University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2007

Journal Title

Memory & Cognition

Volume

35

Pages

1067–1073

Publisher

Springer

Abstract

Two experiments are presented that explore the role of the distinctiveness heuristic (e.g., Schacter, Israel, & Racine, 1999) on rates of conjunction errors as a function of encoding condition. The results of Experiment 1 demonstrate a reliable reduction of conjunction errors when participants study pictures relative to both reading words aloud and silently. Experiment 2 demonstrates that the nature of the pictures presented during the study phase is important for reducing conjunction errors. Collectively, the experiments demonstrate that participants can use the distinctiveness heuristic in addition to recall-to-reject strategies to avoid conjunction errors. These findings add to a growing body of literature that suggests that participants are able to use expectations for memory to guide their recognition decisions.

Recommended Citation

Marianne E. Lloyd. "Metamemorial influences in recognition memory: Pictorial encoding reduces conjunction errors" Memory & Cognition 35.5 (2007): 1067-1073.