Variation in general retrieval ability in semantic and autobiographical fluency tasks

Abstract

Individual differences in general retrieval ability in semantic and autobiographical fluency tasks were examined in the current study. Participants performed multiple fluency tasks requiring retrieval from semantic memory, autobiographical semantic memory, and autobiographical memory. Participants also completed multiple measures of working memory and vocabulary. Confirmatory factor analysis suggested that three distinct, but correlated fluency factors (semantic memory, autobiographical semantic memory, and autobiographical memory) best accounted for the data. These factors loaded onto a higher-order general retrieval factor. Working memory was correlated with the semantic, autobiographical semantic, and the higher-order general retrieval factor. Vocabulary correlated positively with semantic memory, but negatively autobiographical semantic memory, and not significantly with the higher-order factor. These results suggest there is a general retrieval ability that cuts across semantic and autobiographical fluency tasks and this general retrieval factor is correlated with working memory, but not necessarily with vocabulary. These results provide important information on the nature of individual differences in general retrieval ability.