The role of exemplar typicality in category retrieval-induced forgetting

Abstract

The cognitive system has adaptive mechanisms that help us to efficiently retrieve information from memory. One of these mechanisms is the inhibition of competing information that comes to mind when remembering. Using semantic categories, the effects of exemplar typicality (high, low) and presentation format (random, grouped) on retrieval- induced forgetting were examined. Exemplar typicality was the decisive factor in the occurrence of retrieval-induced forgetting. Competition during retrieval practice rendered inhibition to the typical exemplars, but retrieval-induced forgetting did not occur for low- typicality exemplars. Furthermore, inhibition appeared with random and grouped presentations, suggesting that the presentation format of the exemplars is not a critical factor in modulating retrieval-induced forgetting in a category-cued recall task