Failure of interpolated tests in inducing memory impairment with final modified tests: evidence unfavorable to the blocking hypothesis.

Whether interpolated recall or recognition tests will enhance the impairing influence of postevent misinformation on a final modified recognition test of original event information was examined in two experiments. Both used short retention intervals. Postevent information led to differences between control and misled conditions on interpolated tests, but no differences were found on modified tests. Arguments are presented that discredit the blocking hypothesis as a potential mechanism responsible for impairment found with postevent misinformation experiments that use short retention intervals. Instead, various rejection mechanisms are favorably assessed.