Retrieval Dynamics of Priming in Recognition Memory: Bias and Discrimination Analysis

We investigated semantic priming effects on item recognition from short (8-word) lists in one reaction-time and three interruption speed-accuracy trade-off (SAT) experiments. SAT priming conditions included modest (0.35-s) prime durations; prime as a final list member; and long (1.5-s) prime durations with special instructions. Analyses tested for constant increment (bias) priming (an equivalent increase in both hits and false alarms) and enhanced discrimination priming (differential priming for targets and lures). Constant increment (bias) priming was ubiquitous, but some subjects showed enhanced early discrimination in restricted conditions. In constant increment (bias) priming, the semantic relations between prime and test either additively increase familiarity or lower criterion. Only enhanced discrimination must imply an interaction between the prime and the retrieval process, due to either interaction or use of compound cues.