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Abstract

A detailed measure of picture recognition was used to compare memory under 3 instructional variations: (1) intentional instructions, where subjects were aware of the memory task, (2) incidental instructions, where subjects were asked to perform an orienting task of looking for object repetitions in each picture, and (3) a control group, where subjects were given the orienting task as well as intentional instructions. No differences between groups in accuracy of recognition were found, replicating findings for word recognition. Since free recall has been found to be lower under incidental than intentional instructions, the lack of a difference for word recognition has been used to support a theory of separate recall and recognition processes. Present findings partially support this view.

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Effects of Intentional and Incidental Instructions on Picture Recognition

Abstract

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References