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High Working Memory Capacity Predicts Less Retrieval Induced Forgetting

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  • Jonathan T Mall
  • Candice C Morey

Abstract

Background: Working Memory Capacity (WMC) is thought to be related to executive control and focused memory search abilities. These two hypotheses make contrasting predictions regarding the effects of retrieval on forgetting. Executive control during memory retrieval is believed to lead to retrieval induced forgetting (RIFO) because inhibition of competing memory traces during retrieval renders them temporarily less accessible. According to this suggestion, superior executive control should increase RIFO. Alternatively, superior focused search abilities could diminish RIFO, because delimiting the search set reduces the amount of competition between traces and thus the need for inhibition. Some evidence suggests that high WMC is related to more RIFO, which is inconsistent with the focused search hypothesis. Methodology/Principal Findings: Using the RIFO paradigm, we created distinct and overlapping categories to manipulate the amount of competition between them. This overlap increased competition between some categories while exclusive use of weak exemplars ensured negligible effects of output interference and integration. Conclusions/Significance: Our findings qualify the inhibitory explanation for RIFO by incorporating the focused search hypothesis for materials that are likely to pose extraordinary challenges at retrieval. The results highlight the importance of considering individual differences in retrieval-induced effects and qualify existing models of these effects.

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  • Jonathan T Mall & Candice C Morey, 2013. "High Working Memory Capacity Predicts Less Retrieval Induced Forgetting," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(1), pages 1-7, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0052806
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052806
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