explanations for forgetting Flashcards
what are the 2 explanations for forgetting?
● interference theory
● retrieval failure
what is interference?
when forgetting occurs because one memory blocks another, causing one or both memories to be distorted or forgotten
what are the 2 types of interference?
● proactive interference
● retroactive interference
what is proactive interference?
occurs when previously (old) learnt information interferes with later (new) learning
what is retroactive interference?
occurs when later (newer) learning interferes with previously (old) learnt information
the more ____ information is, the more likely it is that interference will occur
similar
what is retrieval failure?
● forgetting occurs because of insufficient ‘cues’ that help us access a memory
● the memory is still there but we do not have the right cue
what is a cue?
a trigger for information that allows us to gain access to a memory
what is the encoding specificity principle(tulving)?
● a cue for learning has to be present at encoding and retrieval
● if the cues available at encoding and retrieval are different (or if cues are absent at retrieval), then there will be some forgetting
what are the 2 types of cue dependant forgetting? (when cues at learning and retrieval don’t match)
● context dependant forgetting (external cues)
● state dependant forgetting (internal cues)
what is context dependent forgetting?
● occurs when external cues (i.e. cues in environment you are in) were present at learning
● but not at retrieval
what is an example of context dependant forgetting?
you learn info for your psychology exam in your room, but recall it in the exam hall - forgetting may occur due to lack of external cues
what is state dependent forgetting?
● occurs when the internal cues (e.g cues within yourself such as your mood) are present at learning
● but not at retrieval
what is an example of state dependent forgetting?
you were in a good mood when you learnt the information but you’re in a bad mood when you come to retrieve it, therefore you will be more likely to forget
