Retrieval processes that produce interference in modified forced-choice recognition tests

Abstract

Recognition can suffer if the retrieval cues activate more than one trace (e.g., for Flower A and Flower A'). We found evidence for two processes by examining interference effects in forced-choice tests (e.g., Did you see Flower A or Flower A'?). Experiment 1 provided evidence of a problem in discriminating between temporally and contextually similar traces that were formed in the study phase. A competitor (Flower A') interfered more if it was shown in the study phase rather than in the test phase. Experiments 2 and 3 found evidence for a blocking process in recognizing pairs of words (child- apple). A competitor interfered more if it was recent, shown at test rather than at study. This pattern occurred regardless of whether the competitor was similar to the target (child-orange) or dissimilar to it (child-truck). The importance of a particular retrieval process may depend on an item's representation as well as on the retrieval cues.