The human memory can be tricked, and this could be useful in witness interrogations. According to studies, human memory follows a specific temporal sequence. We forget the first details shortly after storing the information, and then the forgetting curve flattens out. People remember information worse the longer it has been since they learned it. However, this can be changed by refreshing memory, such as by repeating learned vocabulary. Retrieving information from memory prevents time-dependent forgetting.
Researchers at the University of Regensburg have investigated selective retrieval to find out what triggers this surprising phenomenon. They conducted an experiment in which 728 participants had to memorize a short text or a list of 15 words. The participants were then distracted for some time before taking a memory test. The other group underwent the process of selective retrieval between learning and testing. They were able to see the initial letters of ten of the 15 words, which they then had to complete from memory.
The results showed that selective retrieval strengthens human memory and delays the forgetting of information over time. Shortly after the retrieval, the memory was as clear as it was right after learning. This reset of forgetting meant that the participants achieved significantly better memory performance even after hours than the control group. The researchers suggest that retrieving learned information can reset the clock of forgetting. This effect could be useful in witness interrogations, where asking a few simple questions at the beginning could help witnesses remember details later.
In conclusion, the study confirms some everyday experiences in learning and provides insights into how to improve memory performance. Retrieving information shortly after learning can increase the likelihood of remembering other learning content later. The findings also provide a post-hoc justification for some interrogation and interview techniques.
