Cited by 59Memory Processes and InfluencesPhilosophy and Theoretical ScienceVisual perception and processing mechanisms

Bridging Consciousness and Cognition in Memory and Perception: Evidence for Both State and Strength Processes

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Aly, Mariam, Yonelinas, Andrew P.·2012·PLoS ONE

Abstract

Subjective experience indicates that mental states are discrete, in the sense that memories and perceptions readily come to mind in some cases, but are entirely unavailable to awareness in others. However, a long history of psychophysical research has indicated that the discrete nature of mental states is largely epiphenomenal and that mental processes vary continuously in strength. We used a novel combination of behavioral methodologies to examine the processes underlying perception of complex images: (1) analysis of receiver operating characteristics (ROCs), (2) a modification of the change-detection flicker paradigm, and (3) subjective reports of conscious experience. These methods yielded converging results showing that perceptual judgments reflect the combined, yet functionally independent, contributions of two processes available to conscious experience: a state process of conscious perception and a strength process of knowing; processes that correspond to recollection and familiarity in long-term memory. In addition, insights from the perception experiments led to the discovery of a new recollection phenomenon in a long-term memory change detection paradigm. The apparent incompatibility between subjective experience and theories of cognition can be understood within a unified state-strength framework that links consciousness to cognition across the domains of perception and memory.

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  1. [13]Fechner GT 1860 Elemente der Psychophysik (Breitkopf & Hartel, Leipzig). English translation of Volume 1, HE Adler, Elements of Psychophysics, Eds Howes DH, Boring EG. New York: Holt, Rinehart, & Winston. Reviewed by Swets JA (1961) Is there a sensory threshold? Science 134 168 177 13774294

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Authors
Aly, M., & Yonelinas, A. P.
Affiliations
University of California, Davis (US)
Corresponding author
Aly, Mariam
Venue
PLoS ONE
Published
2012-01-17
Volume
7
Issue
1
Pages
e30231
ISSN
1932-6203 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2048889396
Cited by
58
References
44
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 3 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 9 · 2012: 1
FWCI
3.28
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • PLoS ONE (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • eScholarship (California Digital Library) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
  • University of California, Davis
  • National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH083734, MH083734)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Philosophy and Theoretical Science
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Visual perception and processing mechanisms
Keywords
conscious perception, state processes, recollection, familiarity, long-term memory, change detection, flicker paradigm, subjective experience, epiphenomenalism, receiver operating characteristic
MeSH terms
Cognition, Consciousness, Humans, Memory, Psychomotor Performance, Time Factors, Visual Perception, Young Adult, Memory, Long-Term

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