Recognition Memory for different kinds of two-syllable words (i. e., Japanese words vs. nonsense words) was studied in eight Broca's aphasics, using two measures (d' and C) based on Signal Detection Theory.
The patients showed markedly decreased d' and recency effect in the retention tasks of nonsense words.
The patients obtained a high rate of correct recognition in immediate recognition when they were presented with lists of three Japanese words. Nevertheless, primacy effect was observed in their recognition after a ten-second delay. It is suggested that the patients were impaired not only in speed of processing from phonemic level to semantic level, but also in their rehearsal system for the processing.
The patients also showed considerable improvement in retention when they were presented with visual and auditory stimuli. This multi-modality effect was discussed in the light of “levels of processing” .
