The DRM paradigm in sign language: An investigation of associative memory errors in deaf and hearing signers

There is a lack of research investigating associative memory errors in sign language. Thus, the Deese/Roediger-McDermott (DRM) paradigm was used to test recall and recognition errors in deaf signers following four types of encoding: written words, signs, written words presented along with signs, or written words combined with self-produced signs. The results revealed poor memory for studied material along with a relatively low level of false memory for critical items. However, dual coding appeared to enhance veridical memory. Interestingly, a high rate of noncritical intrusions was noticed across all four encoding conditions. Similar results were obtained for recognition, however, there were no differences between encoding conditions in the false alarms rate toward critical lures. The results point to difficulties in accessing the meaning of words in deaf participants. To test this hypothesis a follow-up study was conducted where false recall and recognition of words or signs were tested in hearing participants fluent in sign language. The second experiment revealed semantic memory errors comparable to previous studies with hearing participants. The results from both experiments are discussed in light of previous studies on vocabulary knowledge in deaf individuals.