A common method used by memory scholars to enhance retention is to make materials more challenging to learn—a benefit termed desirable difficulties. Recently, researchers have investigated the efficacy of Sans Forgetica, a perceptually disfluent or distinctive font, which may increase the processing effort required at study and, as a result, enhance memory. We examined the effects of Sans Forgetica relative to a standard control font (Arial) on both correct memory and associative memory errors using the Deese/Roediger-McDermott (DRM) false memory paradigm. Across four experiments which included nearly 300 participants, Sans Forgetica was found to have no impact on correct or false memory of DRM lists relative to a standard Arial control font when font type was manipulated in both within- and between-subject designs and when memory tests involved free recall and recognition. Our results indicate that Sans Forgetica is insufficient to induce a memory accuracy benefit even when accounting for associative memory errors.
Keywords: Sans Forgetica, Associative Memory Errors, Free Recall, Recognition, Distinctivenes
