Jacoby's process dissociation framework

Jacoby's process dissociation framework

1. P's might convert the implicit test into an explicit test if they realise that word fragments corresponded with words shown earlier

2. Jacoby assumed that implicit memory performance is based primarily on automatic (familiarity-based) processes, whilst explicit memory performance depends most on conscious recollective memory processes

3. Innovative but criticised

   • Joordens and Merickle (1993)
     • Claimed these processes operate in a different way, with automatic processes retrieving items from memory and recollective processes then accessing memory to find additional information about these items (so not actually involved in retrieval or even needed for this)
       • Jacoby disputed this claim & provided descriptions of conditions necessary for process dissociation procedure

4. Jacoby 1993 research

   • Procedure: presented words to p's in a full or divided attention condition. Aim of the divided attention condition was to reduce influence of recollective processes at memory test, but to leave automatic processes unaffected
     • Coloured word stems were used as cues. Inclusion task (green) - provide previous word. Exclusion task (red) - provide other words
   • Findings
     • Full attention condition more successful at recalling prev presented words in inclusion rather than exclusion test
     • Divided attention condition equally likely to recall prev presented words in inclusion and exclusion tests
     • Automatic processes (familiarity) across both conditions were unaffected by attention at encoding
     • Recollective (search and retrieval) processes severely impacted if insufficient attentional resource was available at encoding