The relationship between thought suppression and retrieval-induced forgetting: an analysis of witness memories

Abstract

The aim of the present research was to examine the relationship between individual differences in thought suppression and retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) in witness-like situations. We predicted that people who are more prone to suppress undesired thoughts and memories would demonstrate a stronger RIF effect. Consistent with findings obtained in a US sample (Blumberg in Personal Individ Differ 29:943-950, 2000), results of a preliminary study (Study 1) confirmed the three-factor structure of the white bear suppression inventory (WBSI): the tendency to rely on thought suppression (suppression dimension), the frequency of experiencing intrusive thoughts (intrusion dimension), and the frequency of using self-distraction to avoid undesired thoughts (self-distraction dimension). Consistent with our hypotheses, Study 2 found that only the suppression sub-dimension of the WBSI was positively and significantly related to RIF. Theoretical expectations of these findings and implications for witness research are discussed.

Prejudice in person memory: Self‐threat biases memories of stigmatized group members

“…This is consistent with recent research investigating the motivational factors involved in the suppression mechanisms underlying forgetting in human memory (Anderson & Hanslmayr, ). This is also consistent with recent research suggesting that RIF is not merely an automatic cognitive effect due to partial retrieval of information, but it can be reduced or enhanced depending on people's needs (Pica et al, ; Pica et al, ; Pica, Pierro, & Giannini, ). That is, inhibition and/or interference are not blind causes of RIF but they are “guided” by the desired conclusions that perceivers want to draw (Kunda, ).…”

The representational consequences of intentional forgetting: Impairments to both the probability and fidelity of long-term memory.

“…These paradigms have also been used to reveal interactions of motivated forgetting with attention (e.g., Fawcett & Taylor, 2010 ; Taylor, 2005 ; Taylor & Fawcett, 2011 ) and emotion (e.g., McNally, 2003 ; Payne & Corrigan, 2007 ; Quinlan & Taylor, 2014 ) and the implementation of purposeful forgetting within episodic and autobiographical memory systems (e.g., Fawcett et al, 2013a , 2013b ; Joslyn & Oakes, 2005 ; Noreen & MacLeod, 2014 ; Stephens, Braid, & Hertel, 2013 ). Understanding the mechanisms, nature, and limitations of motivated forgetting reveals the ways in which experience and intentions shape our long-term memories and, in so doing, informs clinical (e.g., Blix & Brennen, 2011 ; Cloitre, 1998 ; Küpper et al, 2014 ; Patrick & Christensen, 2013 ) as well as forensic applications (e.g., Gordon & Connolly, 2010 ; Kassin & Studebaker, 1998 ; Pica, Pierro, Belanger, & Kruglanski, 2014 ; Pica, Pierro, & Giannini, 2015 ; Thompson & Fuqua, 1998 ).…”

Cognitive Mechanisms Behind the Memory-Undermining Effect of Feigned Crime-Related Amnesia

“…instructed to feign amnesia by learning, practising, and retrieving some specific information of the mock crime. Based on previous research (e.g., Garcia-Bajos et al, 2009;Migueles & Garcia-Bajos, 2007;Pica et al, 2015), we amended the RIF procedure in such a way that it could be used in the feigning amnesia paradigm. A separate group of pilot participants (N = 13) was requested to select Rp + and Rpinformation (see Appendix A).…”

“…Note that the RIF effect has been extensively investigated and demonstrated within the area of eyewitness memory (e.g., Camp, Wesstein, & De Bruin, 2012;Garcia-Bajos, Migueles, & Anderson, 2009;MacLeod, 2002;Migueles & Garcia-Bajos, 2007;Pica, Pierro, & Giannini, 2015;Shaw, Bjork, & Handal, 1995). Specifically, the impact of repeated questioning of a witness has been explored.…”

“…During the interrogation phase, participants are questioned about half of the items of one category. When later asked to recall items from both categories, a RIF effect takes place, indicating forgetting of offender's characteristics or crime scene (e.g., MacLeod, 2002;Migueles & Garcia-Bajos, 2007;Pica et al, 2015;Saunders & MacLeod, 2006;Shaw et al, 1995).…”