Examining the relationship between generation constraint and memory

Self-generated information is often better remembered than read (the generation effect). Recent research, however, has shown that generating under fewer experimental constraints (i.e., limitations on what can be generated) increase the magnitude of effect. This study systematically varied constraint to understand effects memory. Participants encoded associated cue–target word pairs (above–below) either left or right side a computer monitor. At encoding, was manipulated by varying number letters given participants generate target above–below; option–choic_; bank–mon__; etc.). retrieval, were recognition, cued recall, free recall test measuring both item (target word) and context memory (location monitor). Using mixed-effects logistic regression analyses control for item-selection (e.g., producing idiosyncratic targets in some conditions relative others), results indicated significantly influenced item, but not (location) The relationship between performance, differed type administered: Recognition data revealed curvilinear relationship; showed negative, linear no significant relationship. Overall, these findings provide more evidence strong yet complex effect different aspects memory, further delineates boundary influence