This article reports quantitative tests of an exemplar model for relating perceptual classification and old-new recognition memory. According to the model, classification decisions are based on the similarity of a probe to the exemplars of a target category relative to exemplars of contrast categories, whereas recognition decisions are based on absolute summed similarity to all stored exemplars. In a replication and extension of Reed's (1972) study, experiments were conducted in which subjects made classification, recognition, and similarity judgments for 34 schematic faces. An MDS solution for the faces was derived on the basis of the similarity judgments. This MDS solution was then used in conjunction with the exemplar model to accurately predict subjects' classification and recognition judgments.
Evidence was provided that subjects allocated attention to the psychological dimensions differentially for classification and recognition. The distribution of attention came close to the ideal-observer distribution for classification, and some tendencies in that direction were observed for recognition. Evidence was also provided for interactive effects of individual exemplar frequencies and similarities on classification and recognition, in accord with the predictions of the exemplar model. Unexpectedly, however, the frequency effects appeared to be larger for classification than for recognition.