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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Using Practice Testing, Public Speaking, and Source Monitoring to Examine the Influences of Learning Strategies and Stress on Episodic Memory
07:59

Using Practice Testing, Public Speaking, and Source Monitoring to Examine the Influences of Learning Strategies and Stress on Episodic Memory

Published on: June 14, 2019

Retrieval-induced forgetting in recall: competitor interference revisited.

Michael F Verde1

  • 1University of Plymouth.

Journal of Experimental Psychology. Learning, Memory, and Cognition
|May 22, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) occurs when practicing items impairs recall of related memories. This study shows that competitor interference, not just inhibition, explains RIF, even with non-retrieval practice.

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

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Published on: May 14, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Memory Research
  • Forgetting Mechanisms

Background:

  • Retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) is a phenomenon where practicing specific items impairs recall of related items.
  • The exact mechanism behind RIF, whether inhibition or competitor interference, remains debated.
  • Previous research suggests RIF is primarily due to inhibition during retrieval practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the underlying mechanisms of retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF).
  • To determine if competitor interference can account for the dissociation between memory strengthening and forgetting observed in RIF.
  • To test the predictions of the SAM-REM model regarding RIF and competitor interference.

Main Methods:

  • Participants studied category-exemplar pairs and then practiced specific items.
  • Experiment 1 involved retrieval practice, while Experiment 2 used non-retrieval study practice.
  • Subsequent experiments (3-6) manipulated encoding context and competitor numbers to test model predictions.

Main Results:

  • Retrieval practice led to the retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) effect, suppressing recall of related items.
  • Non-retrieval practice did not initially produce RIF but strengthened practiced items.
  • Simulations and further experiments supported the competitor interference account of RIF, showing it can occur with non-retrieval practice under specific conditions.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest that competitor interference can explain the dissociation between memory strengthening and forgetting in RIF.
  • Non-retrieval practice can induce RIF when contextual encoding is emphasized or competitor memories are increased.
  • This challenges the view that RIF is solely caused by inhibition during retrieval, highlighting the role of interference.