Recognition Memory for Colored and Black-and-White Scenes in Normal and Color Deficient Observers (Dichromats)

Abstract

Color deficient (dichromat) and normal observers’ recognition memory for colored and black-and-white natural scenes was evaluated through several parameters: the rate of recognition, discrimination (A’), response bias (B”D), response confidence, and the proportion of conscious recollections (Remember responses) among hits. At the encoding phase, 36 images of natural scenes were each presented for 1 sec. Half of the images were shown in color and half in black-and-white. At the recognition phase, these 36 pictures were intermixed with 36 new images. The participants’ task was to indicate whether an image had been presented or not at the encoding phase, to rate their level of confidence in his her/his response, and in the case of a positive response, to classify the response as a Remember, a Know or a Guess response. Results indicated that accuracy, response discrimination, response bias and confidence ratings were higher for colored than for black-and-white images; this advantage for colored images was similar in both groups of participants. Rates of Remember responses were not higher for colored images than for black-and-white ones, whatever the group. However, interestingly, Remember responses were significantly more often based on color information for colored than for black-and-white images in normal observers only, not in dichromats.

Color-encoding visualizations as a tool to assist a nonliterate population in completing health survey responses

“…They focused on the cultural meaning of the color rather than the content of the response options that the colors encoded, which influenced their responses. This finding is consistent with the existing literature's suggestion that colors can affect pattern recognition, recall, and memory (24,31) as well as attention and decision-making (32).…”

“…For instance, research on color includes a range of biological components related to color perception (e.g., the anatomy of the eye and the capabilities of human cognition) which can guide developers in selecting color-encodings that leverage biological visual processing strengths and address limitations, such as color blindness and age-related changes (23). Furthermore, researchers have studied how color is related to cognition (24), human perceptions (25), and psychological and emotional reactions (26); however, limited studies have focused on cultural interpretations of colors. Culture is defined as "software of the mind," i.e., "the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from another" (27).…”

“…In addition, researchers have shown that colors elicit strong emotions (29,30). Use of color in visual representations has been found to increase pattern recognition, recall, and memory in literate respondents (24,31). Color also affects attention and decision-making (32).…”

When green is positive and red is negative: Aging and the influence of color on emotional memories.

“…Because individuals generally remember colored items better than black-and-white ones, color seems to hold a special status in memory, the so-called color superiority effect (e.g., Bredart et al, 2014; Wichmann et al, 2002). A cognitive explanation for this effect claims that color enriches and specifies memory traces therefore allowing individuals to benefit from multiple cues at retrieval (Tulving & Thomson, 1973).…”

Advances in understanding the molecular basis of the first steps in color vision

“…Improved detection and selection of nutrients contributes further to an evolutionary advantage. Others have proposed an advantage of color vision can be found in the faster recognition and better memorization of colored things (Bredart et al, 2014; Gegenfurtner and Rieger, 2000; Wichmann et al, 2002). Environmental factors and nocturnal living habits have fostered a reduction from four to three classes of cone photopigments in mammals including humans (Bowmaker, 2008).…”