Recent retention research has applied the concepts of the Tanner and Swets signal detection model to recognition and recall measures. While the literature is not extensive, the evidence tentatively suggests that d' and criterion changes are potentially useful descriptive constructs. Several methodological problems were noted in the literature reviewed. Specifically, comparative analyses of the data are difficult since different detection procedures were employed to estimate d' and criterion changes as a function of the same retention variables. In addition, an empirical relationship needs to be established between memory system output (e.g., response strength, familiarity, etc.) and the rating scale values which are fundamental to a retention detection analysis. Finally, a clear framework is needed for d' and criterion changes in memory.
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