Two proposals concerning the slope of the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) in recognition memory were tested-the constancy-of-slopes generalization (R. Ratcliff, C.-F. Sheu, & S. D. Gronlund, 1992) and the dual-process hypothesis (A. P. Yonelinas, 1994). The constancy-of-slopes generalization states that changes in accuracy leave ROC slopes unchanged. The dual-process hypothesis states that ROC slopes are less than 1.00 because they are produced by two independent memory factors: recollection and familiarity. Four experiments tested the constancy-of-slopes generalization. The results contradicted the generalization. Slopes changed when accuracy was changed by varying study time, word frequency, and encoding task. A survey of the literature showed slope changes produced by those variables and also by other variables. Analyses of the shapes of ROCs were used to test the dual-process hypothesis. The results contradicted that hypothesis.

No abstract

Source memory has become the focus of a growing number of investigations in a variety of fields. An appropriate model for source memory is, therefore, of increasing importance. A simple 2-dimensional signal-detection model of source recognition is presented. The receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) obtained from 3 experiments are then used to test the model. The data demonstrate 3 regularities: convex ROCs, z-ROCs with linear slopes of 1.00, and slightly concave z-ROCs. Two of these regularities support the model. The 3rd requires a revision of the model. This revised model is fitted to the data. The implications of these regularities for other theories are also discussed.

In recent work, researchers have shown that source-recognition memory can be incorporated in an extended signal detection model that covers both it and item-recognition memory (A. Hilford, M. Glanzer, K. Kim, & L. T. DeCarlo, 2002). In 5 experiments, using learning variables that have an established effect on item recognition, the authors tested further implications of that extended model. The results establish 6 source-recognition regularities that support the model. An important regularity in that set is the linkage of source and item recognition: Any learning variable that increases item recognition increases source recognition.

Three regularities in recognition memory are described with supporting data: the mirror effect, the order of receiver operating characteristic slopes, and the symmetry of movement of underlying distributions. The derivation of these regularities from attention/likelihood theory is demonstrated. The theory's central concept, which distinguishes it from other theories, is the following: Ss make recognition decisions by combining information about new and old items, the combination made in the form of likelihood ratios. The central role of the likelihood ratios extends the implications of signal detection theory for recognition memory. Attention/likelihood theory is fitted to data of 2 series of experiments. One series involves yes-no tests and confidence ratings, the other forced-choice experiments. It is argued that the regularities require a revision of most current theories of recognition memory.