The role of retrieval practice in directed forgetting

J Exp Psychol Learn Mem Cogn. 2003 May;29(3):389-97. doi: 10.1037/0278-7393.29.3.389.

Abstract

Three experiments tested the possibility that retrieval-induced forgetting is responsible for directed forgetting with the list method. In Experiments 1 and 2, additional List 2 retrieval practice was given to determine whether this would increase directed forgetting. In Experiment 1 all items came from a single category, and in Experiment 2 unrelated words were used. In Experiment 3 additional List 2 study accompanied List 2 retrieval practice. There was no evidence that List 2 retrieval practice, with or without additional List 2 study, affected the magnitude of directed forgetting. It was argued that retrieval-induced forgetting could not account for these results. Accounts with greater viability include retrieval strategy disruption and a modified version of the dissociation hypothesis.

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Cues
  • Humans
  • Learning
  • Memory*
  • Mental Recall
  • Practice, Psychological*
  • Vocabulary