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Retrieval-induced forgetting: evidence for a recall-specific mechanism
M C Anderson1, E L Bjork, R A Bjork
1Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene 97403-1227, USA. mcanders@darkwing.uoregon.edu
Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
|November 18, 2000
Summary
Recalling information can make related memories harder to access, a process called retrieval-induced forgetting. This study shows that active recall, not just re-exposure, is necessary to cause this memory impairment.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Recalling information from long-term memory can impair the retention of related information.
- This phenomenon is known as retrieval-induced forgetting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether retrieval is essential for inducing retrieval-induced forgetting.
- To differentiate between explanations for retrieval-induced forgetting, such as increased competition versus inhibitory processes.
Main Methods:
- Participants studied items from taxonomic categories.
- One group practiced recalling items using category-stem cues (competitive practice).
- Another group re-experienced items with exemplar-stem cues (noncompetitive practice).
Main Results:
- Both groups showed facilitation of practiced items.
- Only the competitive practice group exhibited impaired recall of non-practiced items on a delayed test.
- This suggests retrieval, not just item strengthening, is key.
Conclusions:
- Retrieval-induced forgetting is not solely due to increased competition from strengthened items.
- Inhibitory processes specific to the act of recall are the likely cause.
- Active retrieval is a critical factor in memory impairment.