Backward associative strength and illusory recollection : extension of the source-strength effect to item location

Author

Elizabeth Browning

Publication Date

2-9-2010

Abstract

When a false memory contains detailed information about an event that never occurred it is called an illusory recollection. Previous experiments demonstrated that the contextual characteristics of studied words are attributed to false memories of nonstudied theme words. Additionally, contextual characteristics of the studied items that are most highly associated to a theme word are more often attributed than those of lower associates. The finding that the critical theme word takes on the contextual characteristics of its strongest associates was aptly named the source-strength effect. In two experiments, the source-strength effect is extended to word location independent of encoding instructions and of an inference strategy. The study sets the stage for future research asking how source representations are encoded or retrieved for falsely-remembered items.

Degree Name

Psychology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Psychology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Goldsmith, Timothy

Second Committee Member

Ruthruff, Eric

Language

English

Keywords

False memory syndrome, Recollection (Psychology), Eidetic imagery, Context effects (Psychology)

Document Type

Thesis

Recommended Citation

Browning, Elizabeth. "Backward associative strength and illusory recollection : extension of the source-strength effect to item location." (2010). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/psy_etds/15