Retrieval-induced forgetting

Retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) is a <a href="/facts/Memory/zucwQIEX">memory</a> phenomenon where <a href="/facts/Recall_(memory)/flxSh2qP">remembering</a> causes <a href="/facts/Forgetting/n8y7lByw">forgetting</a> of other information in memory. The phenomenon was first demonstrated in 1994, although the concept of RIF has been previously discussed in the context of <a href="/facts/Memory_inhibition/tyue5TDb">retrieval inhibition</a>.
RIF is demonstrated through a three-phase experiment consisting of study, practice of some studied material, and a final test of all studied material. Such experiments have also used multiple kinds of final tests including recall using only category cues, recall using category and word stems, and recognition tests. The effect has been produced using many different kinds of materials, can be produced in group settings, and is reduced in special clinical populations.
Although RIF occurs as a consequence of conscious remembering through <a href="/facts/Explicit_memory/vrjuSCDG">explicit retrieval</a>, the actual forgetting is thought to occur <a href="/facts/Implicit_memory/s3FkGcTr">implicitly</a>, below the level of awareness. Cognitive psychologists continue to debate why RIF occurs, and how it relates to the larger picture of memory and general <a href="/facts/Cognition/ga0tSBul">cognition</a>. In particular, researchers are divided on the idea of whether the forgetting is caused by a process that actively <a href="/facts/Memory_inhibition/tyue5TDb">inhibits</a> information, or due to <a href="/facts/Interference_theory/KTn4gaEj">interference</a> from other information in memory. Inhibition associated with RIF has been looked at as similar to forms of physical inhibition. RIF has also been tied to memory retrieval strategies, with disrupting such strategies affecting the phenomenon.

Retrieval-induced forgetting open-in-new

Retrieval-induced forgetting