Retrieval processes in recognition

The data support the retrieval check hypothesis in recognition under the assumption that retrieval operations take additional time during the recognition process.

Abstract

Retrieval processes in the long-term recognition of well organized material showed the expected organizational effects on "slow" recognition responses. Ss sorted 100 words into two to seven categories until a stable organization was achieved. The data showed the usual correlations between organization (number of categories used) and recall and recognition. Recognition tests a week after the sorting task revealed no differences between Ss using many or few categories for the "fast" recognition responses, defined as the faster 50% of each S's latency distribution. The organizational effect was clearly evident for the "slow" 50% of the responses. The data support the retrieval check hypothesis in recognition under the assumption that retrieval operations take additional time during the recognition process.