The double-edged sword of memory retrieval

Accurately retrieving information from memory boosts later retrieval. However, retrieving memories can also open a window to errors when erroneous information is retrieved or when new information is encoded during retrieval. Similarly, the process of retrieval can influence recall of related information, either inhibiting or facilitating it depending upon the situation. In addition, retrieving or attempting to retrieve information can facilitate encoding of new information, regardless of whether the new information is correct or incorrect. In this Review, we provide selective coverage of the influences of memory retrieval in three distinct arenas: effects on the retrieved information itself, effects on retrieval of related information, and effects on information encoded just after an event is retrieved. Consideration of both positive and negative effects of retrieval in these three domains is critically important to understanding the complexity of retrieval processes and their effects. We discuss episodic context as a conceptual umbrella relevant to all these retrieval effects and note key directions for future research.