explanations for forgetting: interference. Flashcards
why dose forgetting take place
interference.
define interference
when two pieces of info disrupt each other, causing one of both memories to be distorted or forgotten.
what are the two types of interference
proactive and retroactive.
define proactive interference
occurs when an older memory interferes with a newer one.
define retroactive interference
happens when a newer memory interferes with an older one.
who researched the effects on similarity
McGeoch and McDonald (1931).
what did McGeoch and McDonald do
participants asked to learn a list of words to 100% accuracy, then given a new list to learn with varied in similarity to the old list.
what where Mcgeoch and McDonald’s groups.
1 - synonyms
2 - antonyms
3 - unrelated
4 - consonant
5 - three digit numbers
6 - no new list: just re tested.
what where McGeoch and McDonald’s findings and conclusion
performance depends on nature of the second list.
most similar material produced worst recall.
interference is strongest when the memories are similar.
what is the reason similarity affects recall
1) In PI previously stored information makes new similar information more difficult to store.
2) In RI new information overwrites previous memories which are similar.
one strength
evidence of interference in real-world situations.
Baddeley and Hitch (1977) - rugby players to recall the names of teams they had played against
Players did not play the same number of games (due to injuries).
Those who played most games (most interference for memory) had the poorest recall.
one limitation
interference effects may be overcome using cues.
Tulving and Psotka (1971) - gave participants lists of words organised into categories
Recall of the first list = 70% but fell with each new list (proactive interference).
When given a cued recall test recall rose again to around 70%.
another strength
support from drug studies.
