Implicit and explicit memory for novel three-dimensional possible and impossible objects

Abstract

Implicit and explicit memory for novel, three-dimensional possible and impossible objects was investigated using two memory tasks. The object decision task required subjects to determine whether line drawings depicted possible or impossible objects. Subjects who studied the global, three-dimensional properties of the possible objects showed superior performance for those items on a subsequent object decision test, while subjects who studied the local features of these same objects showed no improvement. The impossible figures showed no facilitation due to prior exposure. Recognition performance was unaffected by the type of encoding task. These results provided support for the hypothesis that processes mediating priming in the object decision task require access to a specific structural description formed in the initial viewing.