Different features of real-world objects are represented in a dependent manner in long-term memory.

In the present study, we examined how real-world objects are represented in long-term memory. Two contrasting views exist with regard to this question: one argues that real-world objects are represented as a set of independent features, and the other argues that they form bound integrate representations. In 5 experiments, we tested the different predictions of each view, namely whether the different features of real-world items are remembered and forgotten independently from each other, in a feature-based manner, or conversely are stored and lost in an object-based manner, with all features depending upon each other.