Context Retrieval as a Critical Component in Selective Memory Retrieval

Abstract

Selective retrieval often impairs recall of nonretrieved items, a finding referred to as retrieval-induced forgetting. In this article, I review recent research showing that selective retrieval can also improve recall of other items. This research points to a critical role of context retrieval in selective memory retrieval. The concept of context retrieval, which has played a prominent role in other lines of memory research, suggests that selective retrieval can reactivate the retrieved items’ temporal context during study, facilitating recall of other items that had a similar context at study. Such facilitatory effects on recall can arise both when selective item repetition occurs via retrieval and when it occurs via restudy, which suggests a link to the reminding literature. The findings offer new perspectives for investigating and understanding the effects of selective memory retrieval.