Abstract
Selectively retrieving a subset of previously studied information enhances memory for the retrieved information, but causes forgetting of related, nonretrieved information. Such retrieval-induced forgetting [RIF] has often been attributed to inhibitory executive-control processes which supposedly suppress the nonretrieved items’ memory representation. Here, we examined the role of working memory ...
Abstract
Selectively retrieving a subset of previously studied information enhances memory for the retrieved information, but causes forgetting of related, nonretrieved information. Such retrieval-induced forgetting [RIF] has often been attributed to inhibitory executive-control processes which supposedly suppress the nonretrieved items’ memory representation. Here, we examined the role of working memory capacity [WMC] in young adults’ RIF. WMC was assessed by means of the operation span task. Results revealed a positive relationship between WMC and RIF, with high-WMC individuals showing more RIF than low-WMC individuals. In contrast, individuals showed enhanced memory for retrieved information regardless of WMC. The results are consistent with previous individual-differences work that suggests a close link between WMC and inhibitory efficiency. In particular, the finding supports the inhibitory executive-control account of RIF.
More literature (via CORE)