The myth of the encoding-retrieval match.

Full Abstract

Modern memory researchers rely heavily on the encoding-retrieval match, defined as the similarity between coded retrieval cues and previously encoded engrams, to explain variability in retention. The encoding-retrieval match is assumed to be causally and monotonically related to retention, although other factors (such as cue overload) presumably operate in some circumstances. I argue here that the link between the encoding-retrieval match and retention, although generally positive, is essentially correlational rather than causal--much like the link between deep/elaborative processing and retention. Empirically, increasing the functional match between a cue and a target trace can improve, have no effect, or even decrease retention performance depending on the circumstance. We cannot make unequivocal predictions about retention by appealing to the encoding-retrieval match; instead, we should be focusing our attention on the extent to which retrieval cues provide diagnostic information about target occurrence.

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Author information

Author/s: Nairne, James S (JS);

Affiliation: Department of Psychological Services, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1364, USA. nairne(-atsign-)psych.purdue.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Memory (Hove, England) (Memory), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2002 Sep-Nov; vol 10 (issue 5-6) : pp 389-95

Dates: Created 2002/10/24; Completed 2002/12/27; Revised 2005/11/16;

PMID: 12396651, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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