Visual recognition memory for complex configurations

Previous studies of recognition memory for heterogeneous pictorial stimuli suggest an unusually large storage and retrieval capacity. In the first experiment, three series of homogeneous pictures (faces, ink blots, snow crystals) were presented to six independent groups of Ss, and recognition was tested immediately or 48 h later. Accuracy and sex were related to stimulus configuration; at both time intervals, accuracy was best for faces and poorest for snow crystals. Levels of accuracy were below those attained in studies using heterogeneous arrays. The results of two other experiments suggest the relative unimportance of verbal mediation in recognition of homogeneous pictorial stimuli.