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Dynamic visual noise reduces confidence in short-term memory for visual information

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Abstract

Previous research has shown effects of the visual interference technique, dynamic visual noise (DVN), on visual imagery, but not on visual short-term memory, unless retention of precise visual detail is required. This study tested the prediction that DVN does also affect retention of gross visual information, specifically by reducing confidence. Participants performed a matrix pattern memory task with three retention interval interference conditions (DVN, static visual noise and no interference control) that varied from trial to trial. At recall, participants indicated whether or not they were sure of their responses. As in previous research, DVN did not impair recall accuracy or latency on the task, but it did reduce recall confidence relative to static visual noise and no interference. We conclude that DVN does distort visual representations in short-term memory, but standard coarse-grained recall measures are insensitive to these distortions.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Nathan Weber for developing the software for the computerised administration of the matrix pattern task and to Sarah Hollitt for assistance with data collection. We thank Daniel Reisberg for suggesting this line of research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia

    Eva Kemps

  2. University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK

    Jackie Andrade

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  1. Eva Kemps
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  2. Jackie Andrade
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Correspondence to Eva Kemps.

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Kemps, E., Andrade, J. Dynamic visual noise reduces confidence in short-term memory for visual information. Cogn Process 13, 183–188 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10339-011-0429-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10339-011-0429-5

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