Explanation For Forgetting: Interference Flashcards
What is proactive interference?
When old information interferes with new learning
Likely to occur when memories are similar.
What is retroactive interference?
When new information interferes with old information
Can disrupt recall of previously learned information.
What is the main explanation for forgetting in the context of interference?
Memories can be overshadowed or disrupted by another memory
This is often observed in research settings.
Who conducted a study on rugby players related to retroactive interference?
Baddeley and Hitch (1977)
They found that players who missed games forgot more teams.
What did Baddeley and Hitch’s study support?
Retroactive interference
New information interfered with recall of old information.
What did Kanet Engle’s research indicate about individual differences in memory?
Some individuals are less affected by proactive interference
Higher span participants could recall better despite interference.
What was the method used by Kanet Engle to test memory interference?
Participants learned three word lists
The third list was impacted less by proactive interference in higher span participants.
What role does Anderson (2000) suggest for interference in forgetting?
Interference plays a role, but its significance is unclear
Works but requires similar memories to occur.
Baddley and Hitch (Supporting Evidence)
1) Rugby players who played every match
2) Players who missed some games due to injury
Asked recall names of team played that season
Found players who played all games forgot proportionately more names of teams
Supports idea of retroactive interference
Opposing evidence, individual differences
Kane and Engle
Some individuals less affected by proactive interference
Word lists and found people with low working memory spans showed greater proactive interference when recalling 2nd and 3rd list than higher span participants
Counteracts effects of PI
Limitation, research methods
Most research is lab based e.g. artificial lists
Lacks ecological validity
Findings may not relate to everyday use of memory
Interference
Where a memory is confused/ disrupted by another memory
