Self-referential encoding of source information in recollection memory

Abstract

Information that is encoded in relation to the self has been shown to be better remembered, yet reports have disagreed on whether the memory benefit from self-referential encoding extends to source memory (the context in which information was learned). In this study, we investigated the self-referential effect on source memory in recollection and familiarity-based memory. Using a Remember/Know paradigm, we compared source memory accuracy under self-referential encoding and semantic encoding. Two types of source information were included, a “peripheral” source which was not inherent to the encoding activity, and a source information about the encoding context. We observed the facilitation in item memory from self-referential encoding compared to semantic encoding in recollection but not in familiarity-based memory. The self-referential benefit to source accuracy was observed in recollection memory, with source memory for the encoding context being stronger in the self-referential condition. No significant self-referential effect was observed with regards to peripheral source information (information not required for the participant to focus on), suggesting not all source information benefit from self-referential encoding. Self-referential encoding also resulted in a higher ratio of “Remember/Know” responses rate than semantically encoded items, denoting stronger recollection. These results suggest self-referential encoding creates a richer, more detailed memory trace which can be recollected later on.

Development of self‐referential effect on memory recollection

“…We found an SRE for inherent (question type), but not peripheral (background image), source memory across all ages. This is in line with recent findings by Lawrence and Chai (2021), who showed the same inherent versus peripheral source SRE difference in adults. For the younger age range of our sample, we compare to Cunningham et al's study (2014) of 4-to 6-year-olds in which an SRE was found for the referent (source memory; self or other) when it was intentional (inherent) or incidental to the task.…”

“…This increasing reaction time for self-relative to semantic encoding may suggest that self-referential processing during encoding promotes longer processing and leads to a richer representation of the item as individuals get older. However, as seen in other studies (Ghetti et al, 2010;Lawrence & Chai, 2021), recognition accuracy did not correlate with reaction time. Furthermore, including reaction time as a covariate in the main analyses did not influence the results, and the correlation between SRE score and the difference in reaction time between conditions was not significant, suggesting that the observed SRE was not due to increased exposure time alone.…”

“…The SRE seems to promote detailed recollection such that self-referential encoding results in a greater number of remember versus familiar responses in adults (Conway & Dewhurst, 1995). This finding was demonstrated again recently by Lawrence and Chai (2021), who also identified an SRE for recollection but not familiarity memories.…”

“…Methods for this study were reported previously in Lawrence & Chai (2021), which focused on SRE in adults.…”

“…. A recent study by Lawrence and Chai (2021) examined this distinction and found a self-referential benefit for inherent, but not peripheral, source information in adults. There is a function for both inherent and peripheral source memory in our everyday life.…”