Abstract: Retrieval-induced forgetting under self-referential processing, mother-referential processing and other-referential processing conditions was examined. Under the former two conditions no retrieval-induced forgetting was found while it existed under other-referential processing condition. Thus, memory superiority of self-referential processing and mother-referential processing to other-referential processing was confirmed with the paradigm used in retrieval-induced forgetting research. The results showed that memory material under self or mother-referential processing condition can not only be remembered more than that under other-referential processing condition, but also showed no inhibition effect on related material during retrieval in Chinese subjects. Meanwhile, it can be concluded that mother-referential processing is a boundary condition for retrieval-induced forgetting for Chinese.

Key words: retrieval-induced forgetting, self-referential processing, mother-referential processing, distinctive processing, boundary condition