Zaitseva E.S., Kotov A.A. The Effect of Categorical Distinctiveness Across Different Types of Working Memory Load
Elena S. Zaitseva , PhD Student in Psychology, Department of Psychology, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia; bld. 20, Myasnitskaya St., Moscow, Russia, 101000; zaytseva.ss@yandex.ru
Alexey A. Kotov , PhD (Psychology), Leading Research Fellow at Laboratory for Cognitive Research, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia; bld. 20, Myasnitskaya St., Moscow, Russia, 101000; al.kotov@gmail.com
The effect of categorical distinctiveness refers to the influence of a target object’s context during memorization: targets are remembered more accurately when surrounded by objects from the same superordinate category than when surrounded by objects from a different category. This reflects the impact of semantic context on memory.
The present study examined this effect under different working memory loads: verbal and visuospatial. While categorical representation is known to play a role in visual search and memory, the mechanisms underlying it in working memory remain less understood. We hypothesized that the effect depends on verbal processes, highlighting their role in the interaction between semantic and working memory.
A total of 104 participants completed a task involving the memorization of target objects under high (HCD) and low (LCD) categorical distinctiveness. Three types of interference were used: verbal working memory load, visuospatial working memory load, and verbal control load. Performance was assessed using signal detection theory indices (hits, false alarms, sensitivity).
The effect of categorical distinctiveness was replicated. Verbal working memory and verbal control interference significantly reduced the effect, pointing to the key role of verbal processes and control. Visuospatial working memory load had a smaller influence.
These results suggest that categorical distinctiveness arises from the activation of verbal processes that control information in working memory. The findings contribute to understanding how semantic and working memory interact and may have applications in studies of cognitive development.
Key words: categorical distinctiveness, recognition, memory, signal detection theory
For citation: Zaitseva, E.S., Kotov, A.A. (2026). The effect of categorical distinctiveness across different types of working memory load. New Psychological Research, No. 3, 35–54. DOI: 10.51217/npsyresearch_2026_06_03_02
Acknowledgment
The study was conducted within the framework of the Basic Research Program at the National Research University «Higher School of Economics».
Keywords: categorical distinctiveness recognition memory signal detection theory
Received: 26th septemper 2026
Published: 26th septemper 2026