Retrieval induced forgetting of multi-featured object and social information

Abstract

Retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) describes the phenomenon that retrieving a target from long-term memory leads to the forgetting of related memories. For decades, RIF is normally tested with category-exemplar pairs (e.g., animal-monkey), while memoranda such as non-verbal materials and social information are less explored. In three experimental chapters, RIF of color memory, spatial memory and social information were respectively tested. Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 investigated RIF of multi-featured objects and found that retrieving the color (Chapter 2) or spatial (Chapter 3) feature caused RIF of related objects (in the same category) and its feature. Additionally, two critical attributes of RIF were revealed: a) by using a mixture modelling method (Zhang & Luck, 2008), it is demonstrated that RIF only impairs the accessibility but not the quality of the memory. b) the occurrence of RIF should be guaranteed by a sufficient amount of categorical information. Chapter 4 explored RIF of social information. A RIF paradigm was embedded in a job interview procedure in which participants memorized the positive and negative traits of a Chinese applicant and a Japanese applicant. Two experiments showed that Chinese participants showed more RIF to the positive traits of the Japanese applicant only when their self-threat was threatened. Chapter 4 demonstrates that RIF is not an automatic process and can be affected by motivational factors.

Date of Award	12 May 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bristol
Supervisor	Chris Kent (Supervisor) & Josie Briscoe (Supervisor)