SIGNAL-DETECTION, THRESHOLD, AND DUAL-PROCESS MODELS OF RECOGNITION MEMORY - ROCS AND CONSCIOUS RECOLLECTION

Threshold- and signal-detection-based models have dominated theorizing about recognition memory. Building upon these theoretical frameworks, we have argued for a dual-process model in which conscious recollecti on (a threshold process) and familiarity (a signal-detection process) contribute to memory performance. In the current paper we assessed sev eral memory models by examining the effects of levels of processing an d the number of presentations on recognition memory receiver operating characteristics (ROCs). In general, when the ROCs were plotted in pro bability space they exhibited an inverted U shape; however, when they were plotted in z space they exhibited a U shape. An examination of th e ROCs showed that the dual-process model could account for the observ ed ROCs, but that models based solely on either threshold or signal-de tection processes failed to provide a sufficient account of the data. Furthermore, an examination of subjects' introspective reports using t he remember/know procedure showed that subjects were aware of recollec tion and familiarity and were able to consistently report on their occ urrence. The remember/know data were used to accurately predict the sh apes of the ROCs, and estimates of recollection and familiarity derive d from the ROC data mirrored the subjective reports of these processes . (C) 1996 Academic Press.