Altering Memory Representations Through Retrieval

A series of experiments investigated the influence of different initial retrieval experiences on memory. In all conditions, subjects performed semantic and phonemic encoding tasks on a word list. Then subjects either received a cued-recall test that varied the type of cue (semantic versus phonemic), a two-alternative forced-choice recognition test that varied the type of foil, no immediate test, or a second encoding task. Twenty-four hours later, all subjects performed a final cued-recall test that varied the type of cue (semantic or phonemic). Immediate cued recall, and to a lesser extent a second encoding, facilitated delayed recall primarily when the level of encoding and the type of delayed cue were mismatched. Immediate recognition, however, produced a different pattern of facilitation in delayed recall. It is argued that the findings support the idea that initial cued-recall and second encoding tasks produce an elaboration of an existing memory representation that increases the variability of encoded information.