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Graduation Term
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Psychology
Committee Chair
Dr. Dawn McBride
Committee Co-Chair
Dr. Jeffery B. Wagman
Abstract
The current study was designed as a replication and extension of Coane et al.’s (2020) Feature Boost Effect, using the DRM paradigm to create simple false memories for words related to studied lists. Coane et al. (2020) found that taxonomically related lists increase false memories when compared to associative lists without taxonomic relation. We examined the effect of encoding instruction (item-specific vs. relational encoding) on the Feature Boost effect. Huff and Bodner (2013) found that with non-taxonomic lists, item-specific encoding reduced false memories, whereas relational encoding led to more false memories. All 117 participants viewed both taxonomic and non-taxonomic related lists under one of the three encoding conditions and then were given an old-new long-term recognition test. The results showed a replication of the Feature Boost Effect. Participants had significantly more false memories related to taxonomic than non-taxonomic lists. However, there was no evidence of an effect of encoding condition. Thus, the Feature Boost is a robust effect across studies but was not affected by encoding instruction.
Access Type
Thesis-ISU Access Only
Recommended Citation
Dow, Michael, "The Role of Encoding Strategies in Semantic False Memories" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 2099.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2099
