Is retrieval-induced forgetting an inhibitory process?

Am J Psychol. 2001 Autumn;114(3):329-54.

Abstract

Three experiments investigated memory performance in the retrieval practice paradigm (Anderson, Bjork, & Bjork, 1994; Anderson & Spellman, 1995). This paradigm produces a retrieval-induced forgetting effect, wherein practicing some members of a studied category decreases the recall of other members of that category relative to a baseline. Our findings indicate that the retrieval-induced forgetting effect is replicable but that previous findings supporting an inhibitory account of this phenomenon may not be.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Inhibition, Psychological*
  • Memory Disorders / diagnosis
  • Memory Disorders / epidemiology
  • Memory Disorders / psychology*
  • Psychological Tests