Revisiting the influence of offloading memory on free recall.
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Date
2022
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Abstract
Relying on external memory aids is a common memory strategy that has long allowed us
to “remember” vast amounts of information more reliably than with our internal memory
alone. However, recent work has provided evidence consistent with the idea that
offloading memory demands encourages a reduced engagement in intentional or
topdown memory strategies/efforts, leading to lower memory performance in general.
Evidence for this view comes from results demonstrating a reduced primacy effect but
intact recency and isolation effects when individuals could offload memory demands (but
had to unexpectedly rely on their internal memory at test). In the present investigation, we
attempt a replication of these critical results, given some inconsistencies in the findings
between studies. In addition, we extend the examination of offloading’s impact on memory
via examining individual differences in reliance on the external store (when available) and
different strategies for the use of that store. Results of the replication are generally
consistent with previous research. An individual differences analysis yielded results
consistent with the notion that increased reliance on an external store can compromise
internal/biological memory in the absence of that store. Finally, a verbal model of
offloading memory demands within a framework of effort and study time allocation is
presented. Together, the results both reinforce extant research and extend it in new
directions.
Description
This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review
(when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not
the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any
corrections. The Version of Record is available online at:
http://dx.doi.org/10.3758/s13421-021-01237-3