Explanations for forgetting: interference Flashcards
Define interference.
Explanation for forgetting where one memory disrupts the ability to recall another. More likely when the memories are similar.
Define proactive interference.
Past learning interferes with current attempts to learn something.
Define retroactive interference.
Current attempts to learn something interfere with past learning.
Who studied proactive interference?
Underwood.
Briefly outline findings of Underwood’s study.
The more lists a participant has to learn, the worse their overall recall. Each list makes it more difficult to learn subsequent lists - proactive interference.
Who studied retroactive interference?
Müller.
Briefly outline findings of Müller’s study.
Participants struggled to remember nonsense syllables when given an interference task before recall. Produced retroactive interference because the intervening task interfered with what had previously been learned.
(AO3) What is the biggest validity issue with research into interference?
Artificial tasks in an artificial setting. Artificial words/nonsense syllables and unrealistic tasks. Do not relate to every day memory. Also Ps may loose interest - exaggerating effects. Lack of mundane realism… ecological validity.
(AO3) What less-artificial research was conducted to support interference?
Baddeley and Hitch rugby name study. Injured players missed games. Successfully remembered proportionately more names than players that played all the games. Same time frame but less interference.
(AO3) What is a key flaw in the interference theory?
Memories may still be available, just not accessible. Study showed recall was 20% better when cues were given. Shows memories are still there, just unable to recall (retrieval failure). Memories are not ‘rewritten’ - contradicts theory.
(AO3) What is a real-world application of interference theory?
Improve advertising. Participants recall less about an advert when also exposed to a competitor’s advert within the same week. Advertisers may play multiple ads in one day to remove the effect of interference. Allows for more efficient spending.
