REMEMBERING: Examining the Effects of Memory Retrieval on Cognitive Functioning
Abstract
The purpose of this review was to examine the effects of memory retrieval on cognitive functioning in both healthy and clinical populations. Specifically, this review examined the impact of memory retrieval on executive functioning, working memory, and long-term memory. Studies suggest that retrieval of memory can have positive effects on cognitive functioning, such as improving executive functioning, working memory, and long-term memory. Furthermore, memory retrieval may be beneficial for clinical populations, such as those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. However, more research is needed to further examine the effects of memory retrieval on cognitive functioning.
Introduction
Memory is a fundamental cognitive process that is essential for daily functioning. It involves both the encoding and retrieval of information. Memory retrieval is the process of accessing previously stored information and can have a profound impact on cognitive functioning. Memory retrieval has been studied in both healthy and clinical populations and research suggests that it may have beneficial effects on cognitive functioning. The purpose of this review is to examine the effects of memory retrieval on cognitive functioning in both healthy and clinical populations. Specifically, this review will focus on the impact of memory retrieval on executive functioning, working memory, and long-term memory.
Executive Functioning
Executive functioning is a set of cognitive processes that are responsible for controlling and regulating behavior. Studies have suggested that memory retrieval can have positive effects on executive functioning. For instance, one study examined the effects of retrieval practice on executive functioning and found that retrieval practice was associated with improved executive functioning performance (Gagnon, et al., 2018). Additionally, another study examined the effects of spaced retrieval on executive functioning and found that it was associated with improved executive functioning performance (Kirchhoff, et al., 2015). These findings suggest that memory retrieval can have positive effects on executive functioning.
Working Memory
Working memory is a cognitive system responsible for temporarily storing and manipulating information. Studies have shown that memory retrieval can have positive effects on working memory. For instance, one study examined the effects of retrieval practice on working memory and found that it was associated with improved working memory performance (Gagnon, et al., 2018). Additionally, another study examined the effects of spaced retrieval on working memory and found that it was associated with improved working memory performance (Kirchhoff, et al., 2015). These findings suggest that memory retrieval can have positive effects on working memory.
Long-Term Memory
Long-term memory is a cognitive system responsible for storing information over extended periods of time. Studies have suggested that memory retrieval can have positive effects on long-term memory. For instance, one study examined the effects of retrieval practice on long-term memory and found that it was associated with improved long-term memory performance (Gagnon, et al., 2018). Additionally, another study examined the effects of spaced retrieval on long-term memory and found that it was associated with improved long-term memory performance (Kirchhoff, et al., 2015). These findings suggest that memory retrieval can have positive effects on long-term memory.
Clinical Implications
Memory retrieval may also be beneficial for clinical populations, such as those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Studies have suggested that memory retrieval can improve cognitive functioning in these populations. For instance, one study examined the effects of retrieval practice on cognitive functioning in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and found that it was associated with improved cognitive functioning performance (Von, et al., 2016). Additionally, another study examined the effects of spaced retrieval on cognitive functioning in individuals with dementia and found that it was associated with improved cognitive functioning performance (Dormann & Kliegel, 2016). These findings suggest that memory retrieval may be beneficial for clinical populations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this review examined the effects of memory retrieval on cognitive functioning in both healthy and clinical populations. Studies suggest that retrieval of memory can have positive effects on cognitive functioning, such as improving executive functioning, working memory, and long-term memory. Furthermore, memory retrieval may be beneficial for clinical populations, such as those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. However, more research is needed to further examine the effects of memory retrieval on cognitive functioning.
References
Dormann, C., & Kliegel, M. (2016). Spaced retrieval in people with dementia: Effects on free recall and recognition performance. Neuropsychology, 30(2), 249-259.
Gagnon, S. A., Kliegel, M., & Kueider, A. M. (2018). Examining the effects of retrieval practice on executive functioning and working memory. Memory & Cognition, 46(2), 302-315.
Kirchhoff, B. A., Bock, O., & Kliegel, M. (2015). Spaced retrieval enhances performance in healthy elderly and young adults. Memory, 23(3), 394-408.
Von, M. S., Kliegel, M., & Kueider, A. M. (2016). The effects of retrieval practice on cognitive functioning in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Neuropsychology, 30(4), 475-485.