Recall order determines the magnitude of directed forgetting in the within-participants list method

Jonathan M. Golding, Lawrence R. Gottlob

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

In three experiments, we investigated the effect of recall order on directed forgetting when the within-participants list method is used. Experiment 1 showed that participants tend to recall to-be-remembered (R) items before to-be-forgotten (F) items when they can recall items in any order. In Experiment 2, recall order was manipulated (F-R or R-F). The results showed that only the R-F order led to directed forgetting. Finally, in Experiment 3, recall order was also manipulated, and half of the participants were explicitly instructed to use a relational strategy when both F and R items were presented. Again, only the R-F order led to directed forgetting. These results demonstrate that directed forgetting under the list method hinges on the output order in which participants recall the F and R information. Thus, output order should be taken into account by researchers investigating specific mechanisms that lead to directed forgetting.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)588-594
Number of pages7
JournalMemory and Cognition
Volume33
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Recall order determines the magnitude of directed forgetting in the within-participants list method'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this