What kind of a hypothesis is the distinction between episodic and semantic memory?

Responds to comments by G. McKoon et al (see record 1986-19143-001) regarding the present author's (1983; also see record 1985-03110-001) claims of a distinction between semantic and episodic memory by asserting that the hypothetico-deductive method of testing theories advocated by McKoon et al is not an appropriate procedure for evaluating the validity of classification according to learning and memory phenomena and processes. (73 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Memory codes and episodes in models of word identification: A reply to Johnston, van Santen, and Hale.

Proposes that the activation model of identification benefits for repeated words and pseudowords proposed by J. C. Johnston et al (see record 1986-11005-001) is a variant of the present authors' (see record 1986-03032-001) code/episode model, which was used to explain the temporary and long-lasting effects of repetitions. The X and Y factors of Johnston et al may reflect the operation of episodic memory traces and codification, respectively. (15 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The locus of orthographic-phonological facilitation: Reply to Roelofs, Meyer, and Levelt (1996).

In their comment, A. Roelofs, A. S. Meyer, and W. J. M. Levelt (see record 1997-06337-001) argued that serial-access language production models predict an interaction between semantic and orthographic-phonological variables in picture–word tasks. In this reply, the authors first show that this position conflicts with Roelofs et al.'s previous work and conclude that the model presented in the comment is a modification of Roelofs' (1992a, 1992b) original model. Next, they present 3 arguments against this new model. First, Roelofs et al. did not provide independent empirical evidence in favor of their modification. Second, contrary to Roelofs et al.'s prediction, the reduction of semantic interference appears to be independent of the percentage of shared orthography. Third, Roelofs et al.'s model predicts early phonological effects of spoken-word distractors, a prediction that is refuted by time-course data reported by H. Schriefers, A. S. Meyer, and W. J. M. Levelt (see record 1990-16319-001). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

When selective adaptation and contrast effects are distinct: A reply to Diehl, Kluender, and Parker.

Two alternative conceptualizations of selective adaptation with speech have recently received attention: the adaptation level theory (AL) outlined by R. L. Diehl (see record 1981-05067-001) and a 2-stage model outlined by the 1st author and P. Jusczyk (see record 1982-00351-001). Diehl et al (see record 1986-05428-001) reported evidence of streaming in selective adaptation and claimed that their results provide a counterdemonstration to recent studies that have argued against the AL approach. It is shown how the Diehl et al results can be accounted for by both the 2-stage model and AL theory. Results are presented from a study with 74 undergraduates that compared adaptation and paired-comparison procedures. These results are precisely as predicted by the 2-stage model, but they cannot be accounted for by AL theory. (26 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A critical evaluation of the semantic-episodic distinction.

Presents opposing evidence to claims by E. Tulving (1983; also see record 1985-03110-001) that a wide range of evidence supports the distinction between episodic and semantic memory systems. Findings that invalidate and contradict many of the distinguishing features and interpretations of the supporting experiments cited by Tulving are discussed. It is argued that the question of whether there are 2 separate memory systems cannot be answered without a specific theory about the differences between the systems. (73 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Flashbulb memories and underlying cognitive mechanisms: Reply to Pillemer.

We recently argued as stated by M. McCloskey et al (see record 1988-28560-001) that the available evidence fails to warrant postulation of a special flashbulb memory mechanism. Although apparently agreeing with our conclusion, D. B. Pillemer (see record 1990-27509-001) criticizes us on a number of grounds. In this reply we address Pillemer's criticisms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Postevent information and memory: Reply to Loftus, Schooler, and Wagenaar.

Responds to comments by E. F. Loftus et al (see record 1986-13671-001) on the present authors' (see record 1986-03053-001) arguments and evidence in support of the contention that misleading postevent information does not impair memory for the original event. It is suggested that the objections of Loftus et al, which concern the sensitivity of the modified test procedure and its ability to detect memory blends, present no serious challenges to the present authors' position. Implications for forensic applications of postevent information research are considered. (12 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

More on the distinction between episodic and semantic memories.

Responds to E. Tulving's (see record 1986-19162-001) reply to the critique of the present authors and a colleague (see record 1986-19143-001) regarding episodic/semantic distinction of memory by asserting that the classification methods proposed by Tulving may be detrimental to the advancement of theory and that whole domains of inquiry should not be excluded from the usual criteria of experimental psychology. (18 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Fewer doubts concerning rats' serial position performance: Reply to Gaffan and Gaffan (1992) and Rawlins, Deacon, Chih-Ta, and Aggleton (1992).

It has been suggested by E. A. Gaffan and D. Gaffan (see record 1992-37974-001) that the data on nonspatial memory in rats reported by P. Reed et al (see record 1991-11847-001) displayed less than expected variability. Reanalysis revealed a greater degree of variance than that highlighted by Gaffan and Gaffan. Variance was, however, low at the central positions of the list, and 2 explanations for this effect are considered. The J. N. Rawlins et al (see record 1992-37990-001) explanation, experiment expectation, is rejected. Instead, poor memorial cues for items in the center of the list may have produced a reversion to a win-shift/lose-stay strategy that would account for the low variance. Although it would be prudent to suspend conclusions until adequate replications have been conducted, the present reanalysis of the data shows that the arguments made by Gaffan and Gaffan and Rawlins et al are far from definitive. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Support for the discharge model of emotion: A reply to Zuckerman.

Responds to criticisms by M. Zuckerman (see record 1984-11616-001) of a study by the present author et al (see record 1983-05644-001) which reported evidence in support of the discharge model of the relation between facial expressivity and physiological reactivity. It is argued that Zuckerman's challenge to the Notarius et al study and conclusions is unfounded for 2 reasons: (a) Zuckerman's critique contains several interpretative errors of the Notarius et al study, and (b) subsequent data analysis, recommended by Zuckerman, overwhelmingly supports the original interpretation of the study. (2 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of convolution and matrix distributed memory systems for associative recall and recognition.

[Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 92(4) of Psychological Review (see record 2008-10982-001). In this article, there were two erroneous sentences, one on page 284 and one on page 285. The sentences are corrected in the erratum.] Compares 2 closely related distributed memory models in terms of plausibility; arithmetic simplicity; economy of storage space; and ability to account for associative, similarity, and order data in recall and recognition. It is argued that the storage-retrieval system brought about by the convolution-correlation concept outlined by M. A. Eich (see record 1983-04922-001) and B. B. Murdock (see record 1983-04936-001) is neurally implausible, necessitates more complex analyses, and is less economical in storage space than is the matrix memory concept described by J. A. Anderson et al (see record 1978-22353-001). It is shown that the matrix model can easily account for associative symmetry–asymmetry data and for item similarity effects. Means and variances of operating strength for various recall and recognition situations, modeled by the matrix system, are presented, and it is shown how signal-to-noise ratios can be derived. (25 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The issue of sex bias in DSM-III: Comments on the articles by Spitzer, Williams, and Kass.

Responds to comments by J. B. Williams and R. L. Spitzer (see record 1984-06864-001) and by F. Kass et al (see record 1984-06848-001) on the present author's (see record 1984-06847-001) article, in which she argued that masculine-biased assumptions about what behaviors are healthy are codified in diagnostic criteria and may account for higher treatment rates in women. The present author responds to criticisms and reiterates her point that histrionic and dependent personality disorders as defined by the DSM-III correspond to stereotypes of femininity. (5 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Self-reference versus desirability ratings and memory for traits.

Processing trait adjectives by encoding them in reference to the self usually facilitates recall for those words, compared with other types of semantic processing. On the basis of data from a between-Ss design, T. J. Ferguson et al (see record 1983-24943-001) proposed that this effect occurs because self-referent encoding is equivalent to rating traits for their desirability since both engage affective evaluations. It is argued that self-reference effects are better studied in within-Ss designs so that the context is similar for different types of processing. The present study, with 17 Ss, used a within-Ss design and revealed that memory was better after encoding traits in terms of self-reference than after rating traits in terms of desirability. Thus, in this type of task, self-reference consistently surpasses most forms of semantic processing, although a satisfactory explanation for this effect requires additional research. (10 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Abstractness of implicit grammar knowledge: Comments on Perruchet and Pacteau's analysis of synthetic grammar learning.

On the basis of 3 experiments, P. Perruchet and C. Pacteau (see record 1991-00329-001) argued that implicitly acquired knowledge of a synthetic grammar consists of little more than knowledge of pairwise associations between pairs of letters in the grammar. By comparing their results with a study by R. C. Mathews et al (see record 1990-03549-001), it is argued that (a) implicitly acquired knowledge is much richer and more abstract than suggested by Perruchet and Pacteau, (b) their recognition measures are less sensitive than the recall measures of Mathews et al for detecting conscious awareness of implicit knowledge, and (c) fragmentary knowledge of a grammar constitutes abstract rules that enable performance of complex tasks when integrated into a system for combining knowledge across rules. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

We Said, She Said: A Response to Loftus (2003).

Responds to the comments by E. F. Loftus (see record 2003-07215-003) on the target articles by A. D. Yarmey (see record 2003-07215-001) and S. Porter et al (see record 2003-07215-002) which both examined the influence of memory (false memory and repressed memory) on adjudication. In Loftus' commentary on the Porter et al article, Loftus agreed with many of their conclusions concerning allegations in "he said, she said" legal cases. However, Loftus focused some criticism on their coverage of recovered memory evidence. It appears that the main difference in their perspectives was not related to the science of memory but rather was one of scientific education versus advocacy in the legal system. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Episodic and semantic memory in posthypnotic amnesia: A reevaluation.

J. F. Kihlstrom (see record 1980-11245-001) hypothesized that posthypnotic amnesia involved a dissociation between episodic and semantic components of memory. The present study tested an alternative hypothesis that Kihlstrom's findings resulted from experimental demands conveyed by the wording of the amnesia suggestion he employed. It was hypothesized that hypnotically amnesic Ss would show performance deficits on semantic and episodic memory tasks if expectations for such deficits were subtly conveyed to them. Using 2 treatment conditions, 60 undergraduates were divided into susceptibility groups. Condition 1 replicated Kihlstrom's experiment; in Condition 2, Ss were given an alternative hypnotic suggestion. It was found that Ss could be induced to show only episodic impairments (thereby replicating Kihlstrom) or both episodic and semantic impairments (contrary to Kihlstrom) by subtly varying the wording of amnesia suggestions. Findings are inconsistent with a dissociation hypothesis. Instead, they support the notion that hypnotic amnesia is a strategic enactment strongly influenced by expectations generated in the amnesia testing situation. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Correction to Pike.

Reports an error in "Comparison of convolution and matrix distributed memory systems for associative recall and recognition" by Ray Pike (Psychological Review, 1984[Jul], Vol 91[3], 281-294). In this article, there were two erroneous sentences, one on page 284 and one on page 285. The sentences are corrected in the erratum. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 1984-27853-001.) Compares 2 closely related distributed memory models in terms of plausibility; arithmetic simplicity; economy of storage space; and ability to account for associative, similarity, and order data in recall and recognition. It is argued that the storage-retrieval system brought about by the convolution-correlation concept outlined by M. A. Eich (see record 1983-04922-001) and B. B. Murdock (see record 1983-04936-001) is neurally implausible, necessitates more complex analyses, and is less economical in storage space than is the matrix memory concept described by J. A. Anderson et al (see record 1978-22353-001). It is shown that the matrix model can easily account for associative symmetry-asymmetry data and for item similarity effects. Means and variances of operating strength for various recall and recognition situations, modeled by the matrix system, are presented, and it is shown how signal-to-noise ratios can be derived. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Frequency effects in lexical tasks: Reply to Balota and Chumbley.

In replying to D. A. Balota and J. I. Chumbley's (see record 1990-24407-001) commentary on the article by S. Monsell et al (see record 1989-24836-001), the author addresses four issues. New data show that the effect of frequency on semantic categorization time reported by Monsell et al. was not a disguised typicality effect. An account of the small size of the effect of stress pattern on immediate naming latency observed by Monsell et al. is supplied. Inferences that may and may not be drawn from effects of frequency on delayed naming latency are discussed. The main conclusions and methodological recommendations of Monsell et al. are clarified. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Recapitulation of a theme by Lashley? Comment on Wood's simulated lesion experiment.

C. C. Wood (see record 1979-27552-001) reported that simulated lesions of neural elements in the memory model of J. A. Anderson et al (see record 1978-22353-001) can produce deficits consistent with the principle of mass action and equipotentiality or with localization of function, depending on the exact nature of the lesion and the problem given to the model. It is argued that the fact that some tasks are affected by damage to any one of many components, whereas others are affected by damage only to very few, is an advantage when trying to deduce what an area of the brain does from the behavioral effects of removing it. (6 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Vector analysis and process combinations in motion perception: A reply to Wallach, Becklen, and Nitzberg (1985).

Comments on a proposed alternative to the present author's theory of perceptual vector analysis in motion perception, which was advanced by H. Wallach et al (see record 1986-00251-001). It is argued that Wallach et al have not taken the qualitative difference between their theory and vector analysis into account and that they employed an early and outdated vector theory in their study. Therefore, the conclusion by Wallach et al that their theory is superior to vector analysis is unwarranted. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)