title: Retrieval induces forgetting, but only when nontested items compete for retrieval: Implication for interference, inhibition, and context reinstatement.
abstract: The mechanism responsible for retrieval-induced forgetting has been the subject of rigorous theoretical debate, with some researchers postulating that retrieval-induced forgetting can be explained by interference (J. G .W. Raaijmakers & E. Jakab, 2013) or context reinstatement (T. R. Jonker, P. Seli, & C. M. MacLeod, 2013), whereas others claim that retrieval-induced forgetting is better explained by inhibition (M. C. Anderson, 2003). A fundamental assumption of the inhibition account is that nonpracticed items are suppressed because they compete for retrieval during initial testing. In the current study, we manipulated competition in a novel interpolated testing paradigm by having subjects learn the nonpracticed items either before (high-competition condition) or after (low-competition condition) they practiced retrieval of the target items. We found retrieval-induced forgetting for the nonpracticed competitors only when they were studied before retrieval practice. This result provides support for a critical assumption of the inhibition account.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Iowa State University.
authors.forename: Jason C K
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Iowa State University.
authors.forename: Matthew R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Erdman
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Iowa State University.
authors.forename: Sara D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D001245:Association Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D003463:Cues; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology*; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D012153:Retention, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities