The subjective experience of retrieval-induced forgetting

Memory. 2014. Vol. 22. P. 813–823.

Luna K., Martín-Luengo B.

The objective was to examine whether the lower accessibility of studied items (Rp-) that follows retrieval practice with studied items from the same category (Rp+; retrieval-induced forgetting) is correctly monitored by our cognitive system. If monitored, lower confidence for Rp- items would be expected which, in turn, would allow the control of the retrieval-induced forgetting through the report option. In Experiment 1 the standard retrieval-practice paradigm with categorised word lists was followed by a recognition test with confidence rating and the option to report or withhold the answer. Accuracy showed retrieval-induced forgetting, but there were no differences in confidence. The report option did not affect retrieval-induced forgetting. The confidence-accuracy dissociation could be due to a correct monitoring of the retrieval-induced forgetting joined with a factor that incorrectly increases confidence for Rp- items. Familiarity with the practised category was proposed as this factor and tested in Experiment 2. Despite presenting the categories more times during the retrieval-practice phase to increase their familiarity, confidence ratings were unaffected. In conclusion, this research suggests that retrieval-induced forgetting was not monitored, giving rise to a confidence-accuracy dissociation

Keywords: confidence, familiarity, metamemory, report option, retrieval-induced forgetting

Publication based on the results of: Активное и пассивное декодирование нейрональных процессов при выполнении когнитивных и нейроэкономических задач (2017)