Recognition memory

Identifying previously encountered material when it is presented again. Recognition provides external information unavailable in unaided recall, so a recognition–recall difference is not automatically evidence for separate memory stores.

A task assessing prior occurrence of an object. In spontaneous exploration versions, a preference for a novel over a familiar object is informative only with sufficient exploration and controls for sensory ability, motivation, spatial cues and pre-existing object preferences.

Retrieval of information about the context or associations of a prior event. A behavioural estimate depends on the assumptions of the task and model used.

A sense or signal of prior occurrence without retrieval of a specific associated context. Confidence in recognition is not uniquely equivalent to familiarity strength.