Explanations for forgetting

Question 1

What is the definition of interference?

Answer 1

It is an explanation for forgetting where one memory disrupts the ability to recall another

Question 2

What is Retroactive interference?

Answer 2

Retroactive interference: A current attempt to learn something that interferes with your ability to recall past learning
- Muller and Pilzecker - In condition A, ppts had 6 mins to learn nonsense syllables, then a retention interval, then recall
In condition B, it was the same task but during retention, ppts were to describe a painting

Question 3

What is Proactive interference?

Answer 3

Proactive interference: When past learning interferes with current attempts to learn something
- Underwood - He gave the experimental group a list of nonsense syllables to remember and tested 24hrs later. The results were much worse than expected, so he concluded that the students were confused due to memory test experience in the past

Question 4

What are the strengths and limits of types of Interference ?

Answer 4

Strengths:
- Studies were lab based
- Real world applications (e.g. Baddeley and Hitch - Rugby)
Limits:
- It is artificial and lacks generalisability
- It lacks ecological validity

Question 5

What is Retrieval failure?

Answer 5

Retrieval failure is the inability to access memories in your brain, due to the absence of cues when information is stored

Question 6

What is Context dependent forgetting?

Answer 6

This is when the environment is the cue for remembering, and if the environment changes then the information is forgotten
- Godden and Baddeley: Deep sea divers learned a list of words either underwater or on land and they were asked to recall either underwater or on land. When the environmental learning and recall matched, there was more words recalled

Question 7

What is State dependent forgetting?

Answer 7

This is when the person’s state of mind is the cue for remembering information (e.g. happy)
- Carter and Cassaday: Ppts had to learn words and recall a list of words in a drowsy condition (drugged) vs a normal state. The mismatch of states in learning and recall caused significantly worse recall

Question 8

What are the strengths and limits of Retrieval faliure?

Answer 8

Strength:
- Real world application (cues can help remember things)
- Supporting research (Godden and Baddeley)
Limits:
- Context effects depend on the type of memory being tested (Recognition vs Recall)