Previous research has shown that survival-related processing of word lists enhances retention
for that material. However, the claim that survival-related memories are more accurate
has only been examined when true recall and recognition of neutral material has
been measured. In the current experiments, we examined the adaptive memory superiority
effect for different types of processing and material, measuring accuracy more directly by
comparing true and false recollection rates. Survival-related information and processing
was examined using word lists containing backward associates of neutral, negative, and
survival-related critical lures and type of processing (pleasantness, moving, survival) was
varied using an incidental memory paradigm. Across four experiments, results showed that
survival-related words were more susceptible than negative and neutral words to the false
memory illusion and that processing information in terms of its relevance to survival independently increased this susceptibility to the false memory illusion. Overall, although survival-related processing and survival-related information resulted in poorer, not more
accurate, memory, such inaccuracies may have adaptive significance. These findings are
discussed in the context of false memory research and recent theories concerning the
importance of survival processing and the nature of adaptive memory.