On the regulation of recollection: The intentional forgetting of stereotypical memories

Drawing insight from related research on thought control, 2 studies investigated the process through which social perceivers inhibit the retrieval of stereotypic information from long-term memory (i.e., intentional forgetting). Study 1 considered the attentional demands associated with the task of forgetting stereotype-congruent memories; Study 2 examined the efficacy of intentional forgetting under conditions of resource depletion. Confirming the theoretical predictions, the task of inhibiting stereotype-congruent memories made notable demands on participants' attentional resources. The findings are considered in the context of contemporary issues in mental control and stereotype function.