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Using what we know: consequences of intentionally retrieving gist versus item-specific information

Koutstaal, W. and Cavendish, M. (2006) Using what we know: consequences of intentionally retrieving gist versus item-specific information. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning Memory and Cognition, 32 (4). pp. 778-791. ISSN 0278-7393

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To link to this item DOI: 10.1037/0278-7393.32.4.778

Abstract/Summary

The effect of a prior gist-based versus item-specific retrieval orientation on recognition of objects and words was examined. Prior item-specific retrieval increased item-specific recognition of episodically related but not previously tested objects relative to both conceptual- and perceptual-gist retrieval. An item-specific retrieval advantage also was found when the stimuli were words (synonyms) rather than objects but not when participants overtly named objects during gist-based recognition testing, which suggests that they did not always label objects under general gist-retrieval instructions. Unlike verbal overshadowing, labeling objects during recognition attenuated (but did not eliminate) test- and interference-related forgetting. A full understanding of how retrieval affects subsequent memory, even for events or facts that are not themselves retrieved, must take into account the specificity with which that retrieval occurs.

Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Divisions:Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences
ID Code:13970
Uncontrolled Keywords:episodic memory, categorical memory, retrieval-induced forgetting, problem solving, thinking, FUZZY-TRACE THEORY, BASIC-LEVEL, AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL MEMORY, EYEWITNESS-MEMORY, FALSE RECOGNITION, YOUNGER ADULTS, FACE RECOGNITION, COMMON OBJECTS, OLDER-ADULTS, RECALL

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