Discuss interference theory as an explanation of forgetting 16 marks Flashcards
AO1 (3marks) - Description of Interference Theory
Interference theory suggests that forgetting occurs because similar memories compete and disrupt recall.
There are two types:
Proactive Interference (PI): Old information disrupts new learning (e.g., calling a new teacher by an old teacher’s name).
Retroactive Interference (RI): New learning overwrites old information (e.g., forgetting an old phone number after learning a new one).
McGeoch and McDonald (1931) found that interference is stronger when two sets of information are similar (e.g., synonyms cause more forgetting than numbers).
AO1 (3marks) - Description of Interference Theory
There are two types:
Proactive Interference (PI): Old information disrupts new learning (e.g., calling a new teacher by an old teacher’s name).
Retroactive Interference (RI): New learning overwrites old information (e.g., forgetting an old phone number after learning a new one).
AO3 (3 marks) - Evaluation of Interference Theory Positives
✅ Supporting Evidence – Baddeley and Hitch (1977) found that rugby players who played more games forgot more team names due to interference, supporting the theory.
✅ Lab Experiments – Highly controlled studies (e.g., McGeoch & McDonald) show clear causal relationships between interference and forgetting.
✅ Supporting Evidence (Baddeley & Hitch, 1977, Rugby players) – Ecological Validity: Study used real-life memory of rugby players, making it high in ecological validity compared to lab studies.
✅ Lab Experiments (McGeoch & McDonald, 1931) – Reliability: Lab settings ensure high control and replicability, making findings reliable.
AO3 (3 marks) - Evaluation of Interference Theory– Negatives
❌ Artificiality of Studies – Lab-based word lists lack ecological validity, making it hard to generalize findings to real-life memory.
❌ Does Not Explain All Forgetting – Interference only accounts for forgetting when memories are similar, but retrieval failure due to cues may be a better explanation in other cases.
❌ Artificiality of Studies – Ecological Validity: Word lists are artificial stimuli, reducing ecological validity as real-life memory is more complex.
❌ Does Not Explain All Forgetting – Validity: Forgetting is also influenced by retrieval failure (lack of cues), meaning interference theory lacks full validity.
AO3 (3 marks) - Evaluation of Interference Theory – Positives
✅ Real-Life Applications – Explains why studying similar subjects (e.g., French and Spanish) may lead to forgetting, helping students optimize revision strategies.
✅ Real-Life Applications (Revision Strategies) – Generalizability: Findings apply to students, making them useful, but may not generalize to other types of forgetting (e.g., emotional memories).
