ABSTRACT
The authors propose a view of text representation that is based on a distinction in the verbal memory literature between item-specific and relational processing. Text processing that primarily involves the encoding of propositions yields shallow comprehension and retrieval of text ideas by means of familiarity. Text processing that involves relating propositions to each other and to world knowledge yields deep comprehension and the retrieval of text ideas by means of recollection. The authors’ findings are consistent with current theories of recognition memory and make new predictions about how comprehension-related factors should influence text memory.
