Multiple species of distinctiveness in memory? Comparing encoding versus statistical distinctiveness on recognition
Matthew R. Gretz, Mark J. Huff
Abstract
The distinctiveness effect refers to the memorial benefit of processing unique or item-specific features of a memory set relative to a non-distinctive control. Traditional distinctiveness effects are accounted for based on qualitative differences in how distinctive items are encoded and subsequently retrieved. This study evaluates whether a separate species of distinctiveness - statistical distinctiveness - may provide an additional benefit to memory beyond traditional task-based processes. Statistical distinctiveness refers to the relative frequency with which a specific memory item or set is processed. The current study examined the presence of statistical distinctiveness through a series of levels-of-processing mixed groups in which related lists were studied using two of the following three tasks to promote either shallow ("E" identification), neutral (reading silently), or deep/distinctive (pleasantness ratings) processing followed by a recognition test. Participants studied lists in which these tasks were used frequently (80% of lists), equally (50% of lists), or infrequently (20% of lists). No recognition advantage was found when tasks were completed infrequently versus frequently. Instead, recognition was greatest for the deeper/more distinctive task - a pattern consistent with an encoding but not a statistical distinctiveness account.