An Exploration of Implicit and Explicit Memory for Textured Shapes in the Haptic Modality

Ninth Midwest Artificial intelligence and Cognitive Science Conference

Volume

Ninth Midwest Artificial intelligence and Cognitive Science Conference

Contents

The notion of a dual memory system involving implicit and explicit processing has been sufficiently examined for visual and auditory tasks, although it still lacks founding in the haptic modality. Typically, implicit priming is found only for tasks that require structural encodings of a stimulus and explicit memory is found only for elaborative tasks, thus demonstrating a dissociation between the two systems. The present study explored the effects of these tasks for the processing of differently textured shapes on haptic memory. Explicit memory was clearly demonstrated; however results show no evidence of an implicit memory system for touch. Several explanations for these findings are discussed, including the possible existence of a separate memory system for the haptic modality or the necessity of a pre-existing representational system.