Memory Suppression: The Importance of Baseline Learning on the Think/No-Think Task

ABSTRACT

This study replicated the TNT effect in online conditions. This replication followed the inhibition model of memory suppression proposed by Anderson, as it was seen in both the same-probe and independent-probe memory tests. The repetition effect proposed by Anderson was not replicated consistently, bringing into question the application of the think/no-think task to broader theories such as the Betrayal Trauma theory.

Secondly, this study gave evidence recommending the 50% baseline as a better option for initial word pair learning compared to the 75% baseline based on an increased think/no-think effect and lower data exclusion rate in the 50% baseline. This study also showed a potential rehearsal effect of initial learning seen in same-probe memory tests when using higher learning baselines.

50% Condition

The trend across repetitions for an increase in recall for think condition word-pairs and a decrease in recall for no-think condition word-pairs was seen in the 50% condition above: however, the effect dispersed at 16 repetitions.

75% Condition

The trend was not seen in the 75% condition above, leading it to be proposed as an inferior baseline compared to the 50% condition.

An initial manuscript used for my Honor's Thesis is available here. This project is currently being sent for review.

You can see the poster presented at EPA 2022 and APS 2022 here.

Automation of the Think/No-Think Task

ABSTRACT

This study took the Think/No-Think Task and streamlined it to make it more accessible and easier to use and manipulate. A PsychoPy program was created that automatically runs a standard think/no-think task using easily changeable stimuli. This program takes user input via typed responses. The program was tested and showed replication of the hypothesized results for both intrusion slopes throughout the experiment as well as final recall. The main benefits of this automated version are reducing of experiment time to approximately 35 minutes per participant as well as not requiring participant-experimenter interaction.

This study is currently in the manuscript-writing phase but will be submitted for publication in the Spring of 2023. If you would like access to the program used, please feel free to contact me.

You can see the poster presented at APS 2022 here.

Differences in Inhibition Fatigue Across Suppression Strategies

ABSTRACT

This study aims to 1) determine if inhibition fatigue (a decrease in the TNT effect across repetitions) is seen when either a direct strategy (preventing an elicited memory from coming to mind by keeping your mind blank) or substitution strategy (using a separate thought or memory to prevent an elicited memory from coming to mind) is used and 2) determine if there are any differences in shown inhibition fatigue across strategies.

This study is currently in the data-collection phase but is on track to be submitted for publication in the Summer of 2023.

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