Appearance and reality: Does a recognition test really improve subsequent recall and recognition?

The belief that additional exposure to memorial material improves subsequent retrieval probabilities was explored by studying the effect of a recognition test on subsequent recall and recognition of categorized lists. 24 undergraduates were given 50 items divided into 5 categories, followed by a recognition test in which either all, none, or half of the members of a category were tested together with appropriate category-related distractors. One week later, Ss received either a recognition test of all 50 items (with category-related distractors) followed by a recall test, or a recall test followed by a recognition test. Prior recognition tests increase the recall of original items, but at the expense of even greater increases in intrusions, both from previously presented and new category-related items. Similarly, prior exposure increases hit rates significantly, but false alarms increase at a greater rate. An intervening experience with category-related material facilitates category access and thus provides the illusion of improved recall recognition. (21 ref)