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Resolving interference between body movements: retrieval-induced forgetting of motor sequences
Tobias Tempel1, Christian Frings
1Department of Psychology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany. tempel@uni-trier.de
Journal of Experimental Psychology. Learning, Memory, and Cognition
|October 24, 2012
Summary
Retrieval practice can impair memory for related unpracticed movements, a phenomenon known as retrieval-induced forgetting. This suggests memory retrieval resolves interference between motor programs, impacting motor learning and recall.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Motor Control
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Motor programs for similar movements can interfere during recall.
- Organized memory storage linked to retrieval cues can lead to interference.
- Understanding interference resolution is key to motor learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how interference between motor programs is resolved.
- To examine the effects of retrieval practice on motor memory.
- To determine if retrieval-induced forgetting applies to motor information.
Main Methods:
- Participants learned sequential finger movements for the left and right hands.
- Retrieval practice was performed on a subset of learned movements for one hand.
- A final recall test assessed memory for all learned movements.
Main Results:
- Retrieval-induced forgetting was observed in three experiments.
- Recall of unpracticed movements was impaired for the practiced hand.
- This indicates retrieval practice negatively impacts related motor memories.
Conclusions:
- Retrieval-based inhibition resolves interference between motor programs for the same hand.
- This finding suggests a common principle for information processing across verbal, perceptual, and motor domains.
- Motor learning and memory are subject to interference resolution mechanisms similar to other cognitive domains.
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