Explanations For Forgetting - Interference Flashcards
What is Interference
Forgetting because one memory blocks another causing one or both memories to be forgotten or distorted
Name the 2 types of Interference
Proactive Interference
Retroactive Interference
What is Proactive Interference
When an older memory interferes with a newer memory
What is Retroactive Interference
When a newer memory interferes with an older memory
John McGeoch and William McDonald (1931) - Effects of Similarity
Participants had to learn a list of 10 words until they could remember them with 100% accuracy
They then learned a new list
Group 1: synonyms
Group 2: antonyms
Group 3: unrelated words
Group 4: consonant syllables
Group 5: three-digit numbers
Group 6: no new list (ppts rested)
Found that when the participants recalled the original list of words, their performance depended on the nature of the second list
As the groups progressed the number of items recalled increased
The Synonyms produced the worst recall
Shows that interference is stronger when memories are similar
Evaluation (STRENGTH) - Evidence from Drug Studies
Evidence of Retrograde Facilitation
Coenen and Gilles van Luijtelaar (1997) -
Found that when a list of words was learned on under the influence of the drug diazepam, recall a week later was poor
However when the list was learned without the drug, recall was better
Compared with a placebo control group
Shows forgetting can be due to interference
Evaluation (STRENGTH) - Real-World Interference
Baddeley and Hitch (1977) -
Asked rugby players to name the teams they’ve faced that season
Players who played the most games had the poorest recall
Shows interference can explanations can apply to at least some everyday situations
Evaluation (WEAKNESS) - Validity Issues
Use artificial materials and unrealistic procedures
Majority of lab experiments are designed so that the possibility of interference is maximised
A participant may have to learn one list of words, then a second list 20 minutes later and then recall one of them a few minutes later
The whole experience of learning and recalling could be over within an hour
Evaluation (WEAKNESS) - Interference Effects may be Overcome Using Cues
Tulving and Psotka (1971) -
Gave ppts 5 lists of 24 words where each list was organised into 6 categories
Categories were not explicit but it was presumed they would be obvious to participants
Recall was about 70% for the 1st list but fell as they were given more lists
However at the end they were given a cued recall test were recall rose back to about 70%
Evaluation - Real-World Interference (COUNTERPOINT)
The conditions necessary for interference to occur are relatively rare
Unlike lab studies where the high degree of control means a researcher can create ideal conditions for interference
Two memories have to be fairly similar for interference to occur which does not happen often in everyday life
Suggests most forgetting may be better explained by other memory theories
