Single - Versus Dual-Process Models of Recognition Memory

Abstract Memory recognition consists in discriminating previously encountered information from novel information. Two divergent theoretical approaches pursue to provide a framework for the process of recognition. The first proposes that memory recognition is based essentially on a sense of familiarity elicited by each stimulus. The second proposes that, in addition to familiarity, the retrieval of qualitative and contextual information inherent to encoded events has an important role during recognition. Theoretical and methodological aspects from both approaches are discussed and the result of this discussion is in favor of the second theoretical approach.