Interactive Influence of Item Competitive Strength and Inhibition Ability on Retrieval-Induced Forgetting.

Abstract

Retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) occurs when selective retrieval of certain information leads to the forgetting of other related information. Previous studies have shown that individuals with varying inhibition abilities can exhibit similar RIF magnitudes, a finding not entirely consistent with existing theories. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between item competitive strength and inhibition ability in modulating RIF. Items were categorized into high-, medium-, and low-competitive strength groups based on taxonomic frequency ratings. Participants' inhibition abilities were assessed using the Stroop task, and RIF was examined across these groups. The results revealed that at high-item competitive strength, only high-inhibition participants showed RIF. At medium item competitive strength, both groups demonstrated RIF, with no difference in magnitude. At low-item competitive strength, neither group exhibited RIF. These findings suggest that both item competitive strength and inhibition ability modulate RIF, supporting the inhibition theory of RIF.