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Relearning can eliminate the effect of retrieval-induced forgetting
Benjamin C Storm1, Julia S Soares2
1Department of Psychology, University of California, Social Sciences II, Room 277, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA. storm@ucsc.edu.
Psychological Research
|September 30, 2021
Summary
Retrieval-induced forgetting, where recalling some information causes forgetting of other details, can be overcome. Restudying non-retrieved items effectively eliminates this memory effect, even after repeated retrieval practice.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Memory Research
Background:
- Retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) is a memory phenomenon where recalling specific information leads to forgetting of non-retrieved information.
- Previous research offered conflicting views on whether restudying non-retrieved items could fully counteract RIF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether restudying non-retrieved items can eliminate retrieval-induced forgetting.
- To determine the theoretical implications of RIF persistence or elimination after restudy.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted to test the effect of restudy on retrieval-induced forgetting.
- Participants underwent retrieval practice, followed by restudy of non-retrieved items.
Main Results:
- Retrieval-induced forgetting was successfully eliminated by restudying non-retrieved items.
- This elimination occurred even when RIF was induced by three rounds of retrieval practice, not just one.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the view that retrieval-induced forgetting reflects a temporary reduction in memory accessibility.
- Restudy is a sufficient intervention to overcome retrieval-induced forgetting under the tested conditions.
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