Inhibition as an adaptive mechanism in memory-based choices
ISSN: 0213-4748, 1579-3680
Year of publication: 2009
Volume: 24
Issue: 3
Pages: 333-347
Type: Article
More publications in: International Journal of Social Psychology, Revista de Psicología Social
Abstract
This study examines the role of inhibitory processes in memory-based choices. In two experiments, the effects of the competitive nature of memory retrieval as well as the valence of the to-be-retrieved items on a recall and a choice task are examined by using the retrieval practice paradigm. The results show a parallel pattern for both tasks. Specifically, neither forgetting nor choice bias were found in the non-competitive retrieval condition, for both positive and negative information. Nevertheless, a retrieval-induced forgetting and a choice bias effect were found in the competitive retrieval condition, although only for positive information. Interestingly, this negativity effect disappeared when positive information was excluded from to-be-learned material. These findings suggest the way in which the lasting consequences of inhibition affect choice processes.