Donnelle DiMarco – University of Guelph

Presenter: Donnelle (Nellie) DiMarco (University of Guelph)

Title: The Hidden Risks of Elaborative Retrieval: Repeated Encoding Escalates Memory Conjunction Errors Following Unsuccessful Retrieval Practice

Abstract:
Retrieval practice has been shown to be beneficial for learning and memory as a function of the evoked elaborative processes. Specifically, elaborative retrieval activates related but incorrect information, which facilitates access to the target material by making it more accessible. However, the potential consequences of this activated mediating information, particularly in terms of memory errors driven by relatedness, remain largely unknown. We employed a testing effect paradigm to explore the role of this elaborative retrieval on memory conjunction errors. These memory conjunction errors occur when previously studied features are falsely recognized as having been studied together. In three experiments, we investigated whether retrieval practice led to more memory conjunction errors compared to restudying alone. This effect was not observed when the information was encoded only once (Experiment 1) but emerged when encoded twice (Experiments 2 and 3). Critically, we found that the rate of memory conjunction errors was contingent upon the success of retrieval practice, suggesting that the use of a recall-to-reject metacognitive heuristic may play a role in the disqualification of related but erroneous information. Overall, these results highlight the often-overlooked risks of retrieval practice in terms of inducing false memories.