Abstract

The authors examined the effects of divided attention (DA) at encoding and retrieval in free recall, cued recall, and recognition memory in 4 experiments. Lists of words or word pairs were presented auditorily and recalled orally; the secondary task was a visual continuous reaction-time (RT) task with manual responses. At encoding, DA was associated with large reductions in memory performance, but small increases in RT; trade-offs between memory and RT were under conscious control. In contrast, DA at retrieval resulted in small or no reductions in memory, but in comparatively larger increases in RT, especially in free recall. Memory performance was sensitive to changes in task emphasis at encoding but not at retrieval. The results are discussed in terms of controlled and automatic processes and speculatively linked to underlying neuropsychological mechanisms.

Keywords

Encoding (memory)RecallTask (project management)Cognitive psychologyNeuropsychologyContext-dependent memoryFree recallEncoding specificity principleComputer scienceLevels-of-processing effectCued speechPsychologyCognitionNeuroscience

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Publication Info

Year
1996
Type
article
Volume
125
Issue
2
Pages
159-180
Citations
984
Access
Closed

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Fergus I. M. Craik, Richard Govoni, Moshe Naveh‐Benjamin et al. (1996). The effects of divided attention on encoding and retrieval processes in human memory.. Journal of Experimental Psychology General , 125 (2) , 159-180. https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-3445.125.2.159

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DOI
10.1037/0096-3445.125.2.159