Memory for script-typical and script-atypical actions: A reaction time study

Abstract

Subjects listened to scripted activities (e.g., going to a restaurant) that contained typical actions (e.g., ordering a meal) and atypical actions (e.g., reading a newspaper). Recognition memory was measured at an immediate and at a delayed retention interval. The recognition memory test contained target and distractor test statements referring to actions that did or did not occur in the scripted activities. The latencies for yes-no recognition judgments were measured for these test statements. The memory and reaction time data supported the predictions made by a schema-based model. © 1985, The psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.