DO I SEE ONLY WHAT I EXPECT - EVIDENCE FOR AN EXPECTANCY-GUIDED RETRIEVAL MODEL

The article proposes an expectancy-guided retrieval model of memory reconstruction. In all 3 experiments, Ss were presented with a student's grade report that they would later have to recall. As predicted by the model, the results of Experiment 1 indicate that Ss' recall was significantly influenced both by manipulations of Ss' expectancies about the student's future performance and by manipulations of outcome information. The results of Experiment 2 show that Ss were sensitive to variations in the original information, indicating the use of expectancy-guided retrieval rather than simply expectancy-based inference or guessing. However, the results of Experiment 3 indicate that the proposed retrieval process (resulting in expectancy-consistent recall) is not inevitable; retrieval accuracy was significantly improved by giving Ss either an alternative retrieval strategy, a monetary incentive, or both manipulations. The possible cognitive and motivational components mediating Ss' use of the proposed retrieval strategy are discussed.