Influence of talker-specific information on recognition memory for accented speech

Talker-specific (idiolectic) information aids memory for words repeated in the same voice. [Palmeri et al., J. Exp. Psychol. Learn. Mem. Cogn. 19, 2 (1993).] However, there is some evidence that the influence of idiolect on the perception of accented speech occurs differently. The current studies tested the impact of talker and accent change on memory for words using a continuous recognition memory task. Native English listeners were presented with accented words which were later repeated in the same or in a different voice. Subjects were asked to identify if the words were old (previously presented) or new (never presented). Memory performance was measured in terms of reaction time and recognition accuracy. In experiment 1, words were repeated in the same or in a different voice across repetitions, with the voices sharing an accent. Preliminary results suggest that hearing the words in the same voice improves recognition memory for accented words. In experiment 2, differenct voice repetitions represented models from the same or a different accent background. Listeners were asked to identify old words as being produced in the same or a different voice. Initial results indicate that hearing repetitions in the same accent improves recognition memory, but interferes with voice identification.