Our recent paper demonstrating that stimulus repetition alters memory performance was featured on the August issue of Learning & Memory! Here’s the cover art and caption:
Many theories of memory assume that repetition globally enhances memory representations. However, Reagh and Yassa (LearnMem 21: 342–346) demonstrate that although repetition may enhance general recognition, it can have detrimental effects on memory for details. The writing on the chalkboard, representing repeated memory experiences, schematizes this phenomenon. Central elements of the memory remain throughout repetitions, though contextual details are incrementally lost.