Examining the episodic context account: does retrieval practice enhance memory for context?

ABSTRACT: Retrieval practice, such as filling in blanks or taking quizzes, is firmly established as an effective study strategy. However, the underlying mechanism of how retrieval practice benefits memory is still unclear. One current theory, the episodic context account, proposes that retrieval enhances memory by reinstating a prior learning context. This retrieved context is then strengthened and updated to include context at the time of recall, which later serves as an effective retrieval cue. However, few studies have directly tested this hypothesis. We did so by examining participants' memory for the initial study context. Across three experiments, participants encoded cue-target pairs presented in different colors and either restudied or practiced retrieving the targets. If retrieval practice

SUBMITTER: Hong MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6920270 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature