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The effects of divided attention at encoding and at retrieval on multidimensional source memory
Nathaniel R Greene1, Benjamin A Martin1, Moshe Naveh-Benjamin1
1Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri.
Summary
Dividing attention during memory encoding significantly impairs item and source memory. However, dividing attention during retrieval does not impact memory performance, suggesting encoding is more attention-dependent.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Memory Research
Background:
- Dividing attention (DA) impairs memory, with greater effects at encoding than retrieval.
- Previous research has not fully explored DA's impact on multiple memory features or source-source binding within episodic memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how dividing attention (DA) at encoding versus retrieval affects item memory, source memory, and joint source retrieval.
- To examine DA's influence on the stochastic dependency between multiple source dimensions in episodic memory.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted using a multidimensional source memory task.
- Experiment 1 manipulated DA during encoding; Experiment 2 manipulated DA during retrieval.
- Memory for items, individual sources, and the binding between sources were assessed.
Main Results:
- DA at encoding impaired item memory, source memory, and source-source binding.
- DA at retrieval did not significantly affect item memory, source memory, or source-source binding.
- The impact of DA was more pronounced on item memory than on source memory or binding.
Conclusions:
- Attention plays a critical role in the encoding of bounded episodic representations.
- Encoding is more susceptible to attentional deficits than retrieval for complex episodic memories.
- Findings inform theories of memory binding and the attentional mechanisms underlying episodic memory.
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