The Role of Memory Retrieval in Retrieval Practice Restricted; Files Only
Cawley-Bennett, Andrew (Fall 2023)
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
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
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
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
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
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File download under embargo until 10 January 2026 | 2023-12-13 11:17:34 -0500 | File download under embargo until 10 January 2026 |
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