Activation makes words more accessible, but not necessarily more retrievable

Three experiments compared different memory tests for words that were studied under either semantic or nonsemantic processing conditions. When the tests required the completion of the initial letters (e.g., DEF—) of recently presented words with the first word that came to mind, semantic and nonsemantic processing conditions produced similar results. In contrast, free recall, cued recall, and word recognition showed substantially better performance under semantic processing conditions. The rate of decrement in performance over time was the same for the completion and recognition tests. The findings are discussed in terms of two processes: (a) activation of a mental representation, which also strengthens the relations among its components and increases its accessibility, and (b) elaboration, which establishes relations among different mental contents and increases retrievability. Implications for different memory tests and for understanding the amnesic syndrome are developed.