Abstract
Forgetting can be accounted for by time-indexed decay as well as competition-based interference processes. Although conventionally seen as competing theories of forgetting processes, Altmann and colleagues argued for a functional interaction between decay and interference. They revealed that, in short-term memory, time-based forgetting occurred at a faster rate under conditions of high proactive interference compared to conditions of low proactive interference. However, it is unknown whether interactive effects between decay-based forgetting and interference-based forgetting also exist in long-term memory. We employed a delayed memory recognition paradigm for visual indoor and outdoor scenes, measuring recognition accuracy at two time-points, immediately after learning and after 1 week, while interference was indexed by the number of images in a semantic category. We found that higher levels of interference during encoding led to a slower subsequent decay rate. In contrast to the findings in working-memory, our results suggest that a “survival of the fittest” principle applies to long-term memory processes, in which stimulus competition during encoding results in fewer, but also more robust memory traces, which decay at a slower rate. Conversely, low levels of interference during encoding allow more memory traces to form initially, which, however, subsequently decay at a faster rate. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanism of forgetting and could inform neurobiological models of forgetting.
Highlights
Forgetting, defined as the inability to retrieve information, is a central feature of human memory
As in Experiment 1, interference and retention interval interacted, F(1,57) = 6.906, p = 0.011, partial-η2 = 0.108, and the observed pattern of result indicate once more that memory traces decay at a slower rate for images that were encoded under high levels of interference (M = 9.62%, SEM = 2.43%), t(57) = 3.969, p < 0.001, than under low levels (M = 15.16%, SEM = 2.12%), t(57) = 7.127, p < 0.001
We investigated the presence of interactive effects between decay-based forgetting and interference-based forgetting in long-term memory
Summary
Forgetting, defined as the inability to retrieve information, is a central feature of human memory. Two explanations for non-pathological memory loss have been proposed; one a time-indexed decay processes, the other involving competition-based interference. Forgetting by decay has traditionally been described as a passive gradual loss of the substrate of memory, due to disuse. Newer models inspired by neurobiology describe it as an active process to remove obsolete memories, based on parameters such as relevance or recency (Hardt et al, 2013). Forgetting by interference is thought to be due to concurrent task-related mental activity. Previous studies indicate that memories are vulnerable during two specific periods. Newly formed memories are compromised by interference during or shortly after initial learning
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