Complex network structure influences processing in long-term and short-term memory

RIS ID

59615

Publication Details

Vitevitch, M. S., Chan, K. Ying. & Roodenrys, S. (2012). Complex network structure influences processing in long-term and short-term memory. Journal of Memory and Language, 67 (1), 30-44.

Abstract

Complex networks describe how entities in systems interact; the structure of such networks is argued to influence processing. One measure of network structure, clustering coefficient, C, measures the extent to which neighbors of a node are also neighbors of each other. Previous psycholinguistic experiments found that the C of phonological word-forms influenced retrieval from the mental lexicon (that portion of long-term memory dedicated to language) during the on-line recognition and production of spoken words. In the present study we examined how network structure influences other retrieval processes in long- and short-term memory. In a false-memory task—examining long-term memory— participants falsely recognized more words with low- than high-C. In a recognition memory task—examining veridical memories in long-term memory—participants correctly recognized more words with low- than high-C. However, participants in a serial recall task—examining redintegration in short-term memory—recalled lists comprised of high- C words more accurately than lists comprised of low-C words. These results demonstrate that network structure influences cognitive processes associated with several forms of memory including lexical, long-term, and short-term.

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jml.2012.02.008