The Influence of Object Relative Size on Priming and Explicit Memory
Author Information
Author(s): Bob Uttl, Peter Graf, Amy L. Siegenthaler
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
When the size of an object displayed in context violates our expectations, larger priming effects may emerge due to prior study encounters with the object displayed in an unfamiliar versus a familiar relative size.
Conclusion
The study found that changes in object size between study and test influenced both priming and explicit memory, particularly when objects were displayed in large sizes at test.
Supporting Evidence
- Implicit memory was assessed by speed of object size ratings.
- Explicit memory was assessed by an old/new recognition test.
- Study-to-test changes in relative size reduced both priming and explicit memory.
- Priming was larger when the target size was the same at study and test.
Takeaway
This study shows that how big or small an object looks can change how well we remember it, especially if it looks really different from what we expect.
Methodology
Participants viewed color photos of objects in either appropriate or inappropriate relative sizes, and their implicit and explicit memory was tested after a one-week delay.
Limitations
The study's findings may not generalize to other types of stimuli beyond color photographs of common objects.
Participant Demographics
Undergraduate students from Red Deer College and the University of British Columbia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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