At one point, we have all experienced the struggle of memorizing vocabulary words. We would precisely go over the entire list and then start focusing on practicing the words we find most confusing, going over them repeatedly. For example, let’s say you’re struggling with the words “apple” and “banana” but have no trouble recalling “cherries” and “dragon fruit.” You concentrate on “apple” and “banana,” feeling more confident about these words. However, when it comes time to remember all the fruit words, you find it easy to recall “apple” and “banana” but unexpectedly struggle to remember “cherries” and “dragon fruit.” Sound familiar? This difficulty is an example of retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF).
What is Retrieval-Induced Forgetting (RIF)?
Retrieval-Induced Forgetting is a cognitive phenomenon where retrieving a specific memory makes it harder to retrieve another similar memory. This occurs through a process called “selective retrieval,” where focusing on a specific memory can block and suppress other related memories. Selective retrieval can be beneficial for maintaining focused attention on one subject, increasing the speed and accuracy of retrieving the needed information. However, it becomes an obstacle when we are in the need to remember a broader range of information.
RIF also works through inhibition. While we focus on the retrieval of one memory, the non-retrieved memory becomes inhibited, making it harder to recall. More interestingly, the more determined you are to retrieve a memory, it becomes more likely to stimulate RIF, making it harder to recall non-retrieved memory. Thus, the more motivated and determined you are to recall an event the more likely you are to forget other memories related to the event.
Conclusion
RIF can be frustrating when trying to memorize a large number of words; however, we must realize that RIF helps daily by preventing irrelevant information from interfering with the recall of desired memories. The next time you find yourself unable to recall a memory or a word you thought you knew, mind that it’s not you—it’s retrieval-induced forgetting. And remember, being too determined to retrieve a memory can actually make it harder to remember other information!
Citation
Pica G, Chernikova M, Pierro A, Giannini AM and Kruglanski AW (2018) Retrieval-Induced Forgetting as Motivated Cognition. Front. Psychol. 9:2030. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02030
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