title: Retrieval-Induced Inhibition in Short-Term Memory.
abstract: We used a visual illusion called motion repulsion as a model system for investigating competition between two mental representations. Subjects were asked to remember two random-dot-motion displays presented in sequence and then to report the motion directions for each. Remembered motion directions were shifted away from the actual motion directions, an effect similar to the motion repulsion observed during perception. More important, the item retrieved second showed greater repulsion than the item retrieved first. This suggests that earlier retrieval exerted greater inhibition on the other item being held in short-term memory. This retrieval-induced motion repulsion could be explained neither by reduced cognitive resources for maintaining short-term memory nor by continued inhibition between short-term memory representations. These results indicate that retrieval of memory representations inhibits other representations in short-term memory. We discuss mechanisms of retrieval-induced inhibition and their implications for the structure of memory.
authors.affiliation: Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science Department of Psychology, Sungkyunkwan University kangminsuk@skku.edu.
authors.forename: Min-Suk
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Sungkyunkwan University.
authors.forename: Joongrul
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Choi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D009039:Motion Perception; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011930:Reaction Time; D014796:Visual Perception; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: attention; forgetting; motion perception; short-term memory; visual memory