Abstract
The frequency effect in recognition memory refers to the fact that low frequency items have higher hit rates than do high frequency items. This study investigated whether levels of processing influenced the frequency effect. The two-factor theory predicts that the disadvantage of high-frequency items in recognition is eliminated by a task to increase elaboration of the items. Contrary to this, the one-factor theory states that levels of processing do not influence the frequency effect. We examined these predictions by using the recognition of kanji (Chinese characters) designated for everyday use in Japanese. We conducted judgment of the normative frequency as incidental learning, and performed a recognition test immediately after that, or one week later. The frequency effect was observed one week later, when frequency judgment as a task of physical analysis was repeated (three times for each item) during study. But the frequency effect was then not observed after one week, when reading kanji aloud as a phonemic level task replaced a second judgment during study. These results suggest that the frequency effect can be accounted for by the two-factor theory.
