Disclosed is a method of selecting a data candidate having a maximum value from a plurality of data candidates stored in columns in a memory array. The method includes computing marker bit values for each row of data in the memory array, and performing a Boolean OR operation on the marker bit values to generate a responder signal value. Also disclosed is a memory device including a memory array of memory cells arranged in rows and columns, and responder signal circuitry to generate a responder signal responsive to positive identification of a data candidate in the memory array.