The attribution of perceptual fluency in recognition memory: The role of expectation

Three experiments investigate whether the influence of perceptual fluency on recognition memory depends on a perceptual match between study and test. The perceptual fluency of recognition test items was enhanced by briefly presenting a prime that matched the subsequent test item. Enhanced perceptual fluency increased positive recognition responses when the study and test were in the same sensory modality but not when the study and test were in different modalities. This interaction occurred only when modality was manipulated between subjects; when modality was manipulated within subjects, enhanced perceptual fluency increased positive recognition responses to all test items. An interaction between modality and perceptual fluency was also found using "counterfeit" study lists. The results suggest that the use of perceptual fluency as a heuristic in recognition memory depends on whether it is perceived as relevant to the recognition decision.