Question

How are recognition tests used to assess memory?

1) By freely generating items from memory in response to presentation cues
2) By judging items as 'new' or 'old', in the absence of presentation cues
3) By judging items as 'new' or 'old' in response to presentation cues
4) By freely generating items from memory, in the absence of presentation cues

Answer 1

Recognition tests assess memory by asking individuals to identify items as 'new' or 'old' with the aid of presentation cues, a process rooted in the comparison of new stimuli with stored information.

Step-by-step explanation:

Recognition tests are utilized to assess memory by requiring individuals to judge items as 'new' or 'old' in response to presentation cues. This process involves a comparison of information being presented with what was previously learned, which is a core aspect of recognition. For instance, during a test, you may recognize a correct answer because it matches information that you have studied beforehand.

In contrast, recall refers to the ability to access information without cues, like remembering answers for an essay test. Relearning is another method of memory retrieval, demonstrating memory strength by how quickly information can be relearned. To enhance memory, techniques such as elaborative rehearsal, the self-reference effect, and distributed practice can be particularly effective.