Explanations for forgetting

Question 1

Why do we forget information

Answer 1

• Interference

- Retrieval failure due to cues

Question 2

What is interference

Answer 2

Confusion - when memories are similar
Proactive - old replaces new
Retroactive - new replaces old

Question 3

Explain Postman’s study

Answer 3

One group had to recall two lists. The control group was more accurate in recalling the first list because this is the only one they had to know. An example of retroactive interference.
Lacks ecological validity

Question 4

Explain Schmidt et al’s study

Answer 4

-Remembering street names. Assessed retroactive interference - if moved houses. Age range 11 - 79.
Positive association between number of neighbourhoods moved from and names forgotten. Retroactive interference.
-May have extraneous variables - age decay theory

Question 5

What is a retrieval cue

Answer 5

Anything linked to a memory - eternal (music location etc) and internal (emotions/state)