The Role of Memory Retrieval in Retrieval Practice Restricted; Files Only

Abstract

Retrieval practice involves intervening memory tests to enhance retention of information on a later test. The memory benefit from practice tests compared to restudying information is known as the retrieval practice effect. Retrieval practice has been studied for over a century, and retrieval practice effects are robust. However, the precise role of recall in retrieval practice remains uncertain. Relative to a restudy control condition, memory testing during retrieval practice involves recall but can also differentially engage participants’ attention or depth of processing with the test stimuli. The possibility of increased participant involvement while testing brings up a potential issue, suggesting that the effects of retrieval practice might not solely be due to memory retrieval. In this dissertation, I compared a cued-recall retrieval practice condition, using word pairs (e.g., APPLE-WAGON; APPLE-?????), to a restudy control condition (e.g., APPLE-WAGON; APPLE-WAGON). The final memory test involved an old/new recognition memory paradigm, testing either the cue word (APPLE) or the target word (WAGON) from each word pair. The rationale of testing individual words was to differentiate the general memory testing influences on cue words from the specific contribution of memory recall for target words, relative to restudy control words. Across two behavioral experiments and one fMRI experiment, the results consistently showed a retrieval practice effect for both cue and target words. However, signal detection theory-based analyses revealed distinct memory effects for cue and target words. Retrieval practice cue words exhibited a modest yet consistent memory benefit from testing, while retrieval practice target words showed a larger and more variable benefit. The fMRI findings indicated more memory-related activity for retrieval practice target words compared to retrieval practice cue words in several brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, medial temporal lobe, and medial occipital lobe. These results suggest that similar memory performance improvements for retrieval practice cue and target words are supported by different neural processes. These findings indicate that retrieval practice effects are not solely reliant on memory retrieval but are significantly influenced by it during retrieval practice.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER I. GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Overview

Brief Historical Background and Additional Terminology

Background on Methods and Experimental Designs Formats

Stimuli

Delays

Between-subject vs within-subject designs

Studies Examining Testing Effects for Non-recalled Information During an Intervention

Retrieval practice fMRI investigations

Hypothesized Mechanisms for Retrieval Practice Effects

Current Aims

CHAPTER II. Retrieval is Unnecessary to Observe a Retrieval Practice Effect

Abstract

Retrieval is Unnecessary to Observe a Retrieval Practice Effect

Experiment 1

Materials and Methods

Participants

Stimuli

Procedure

Analyses

Results

Discussion

Experiment 2

Materials and Methods

Participants

Stimuli, Procedure, and Analyses

Results

Discussion

General Discussion

References

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Supplemental Material

Supplementary Text

Results from Experiment 1

Results from Experiment 2

Figure S1

Figure S2

CHAPTER III. Functional MRI Correlates of Recall-Based Retrieval Practice Effects

Abstract

Functional MRI Correlates of Recall-Based Retrieval Practice Effects

Materials and Methods

Participants

Stimuli

Procedure

Behavioral Data Analyses

Neuroimaging Acquisition

Anatomical Data Preprocessing

Functional Data Preprocessing

fMRI Data Analyses

Results

Behavioral Results

fMRI Results

All Trials

Correctly Answered Final Recognition Memory Test Trials Only

Discussion

References

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Figure 11

CHAPTER IV. GENERAL DISCUSSION

Depth of Engagement Improving Memory

Parallels Between the Retrieval Practice Effect and the Generation Effect

Additional Factors Improving Memory for Retrieval Practice Target Words

Connecting our Findings with Prior Retrieval Practice Hypotheses

Revising Old Hypotheses Based on Current Findings

Retrieval Practice Effects on a Molecular Basis

Future Explorations of Memory Strength

Conclusion

Chapter I AND IV. References

Appendix A

About this Dissertation

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Laney Graduate School
Department	Psychology
Subfield / Discipline	Neuroscience and Animal Behavior
Degree	Ph.D.
Submission	Dissertation
Language	English
Research Field	Psychology, Behavioral Sciences Psychology, Cognitive
Keyword	fMRI Memory Testing Effect Retrieval Practice Recognition Memory
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Joseph Manns, Emory University
Committee Members	Stephan Hamann, Emory University Daniel Dilks, Emory University Robert Hampton, Emory University Patricia Bauer, Emory University

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