Retrieval-induced forgetting of words with negative emotionality

Retrieval of a memory can cause forgetting of other related memories. This phenomenon is known as retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF). Previous studies have shown the results with respect to RIF of negative words were mixed, suggesting that it should be reconsidered. We used a stem-cued recall test to re-examine whether RIF occurs for negative words. A total of 30 undergraduate university students (11 male, 19 female) aged 19-22 years (M = 19.83, SD = 0.75) learned target words with neutral and negative emotionality. They then engaged in retrieval practice for half of the neutral and half of the negative targets by completing a word-fragment recall test. Finally a stem-cued recall test encompassing all studied targets was administered. The results of this test revealed that retrieval practice of neutral words caused forgetting of unpractised neutral words, but retrieval practice of negative words did not induce forgetting of unpractised negative words. We attribute the absence of RIF for negative words to baseline deflation or to integration, which were both generated by the inter-relationships between negative words. Further study is needed to clarify which factor, baseline deflation or integration, mainly influences the lack of RIF of negative words.