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Recall in recognition refers to the role that recall-based retrieval processes play during recognition memory judgments. In recognition tasks, participants decide whether a presented item was studied before, but they can also generate recall probes—details about the encoding episode, semantic associations, or contextual cues—that inform their decision. This means recognition is frequently supported by recollection-based evidence even when the task is labeled as recognition rather than recall.

Theoretical approaches to this topic come largely from dual-process theories of memory. These theories distinguish recollection, which involves retrieving specific details about a prior encounter, from familiarity, a more general sense that an item has been seen before. In many accounts, recognition decisions rely on a rapid familiarity signal but are enhanced or even driven by recall when contextual information or detailed memories are accessible. The integration of recall and recognition helps explain a range of findings, including variability in recognition accuracy and the presence of source information at recognition.

One well-studied idea is the recall-to-recognition paradigm, where performing a brief recall test or attempting to generate related information prior to a recognition judgment improves old-new discrimination. Conversely, failure to recall can lead to misses or, in some cases, to false alarms if generated details are misleading. Another related concept is recall-to-reject, in which recalling details about lures aids in correctly classifying them as new. Methodologically, researchers use generate-recognize tasks, remember/know judgments, and source monitoring to characterize how recall contributes to recognition.

Overall, recall in recognition highlights the continuity between retrieval modes and emphasizes that recognition performance often rests on a blend of rapid familiarity and retrieval of specific, contextual information.