explanations for forgetting - interference

Question 1

what is interference theory?

Answer 1

interference occurs when information that is similar in format gets in the way of information we are trying to remember. there are two types : proactive and retroactive

Question 2

what is proactive interference?

Answer 2

when old memories interfere with newer ones. the new memories are weaker.

Question 3

what is retroactive interference?

Answer 3

new memories interfere with older ones. older memories are weaker.

Question 4

McGeoch & McDonald (1931)

Answer 4

studied retroactive interference, ppts learnt a list of 10 words until they were 100% accurate in recall, then learned a new list. 6 groups: synonyms, antonyms, unrelated, consonatn syllables, 3 digit numbers and no new list (control)
worst recall came from 2nd lists with most similar material (synonyms), suggests interference is strongest when memories are similar

Question 5

+AO3 - high internal validity

Answer 5

most studies of interference are lab studies. the high levels of control mean that a true cause and effect can be established. suggests that research is high in validity

Question 6

-AO3 - low external validity

Answer 6

lab studies use artificial stimuli and unrealistic procedures, creating an ideal situation for interference. Interference may not be as strong when people are trying to remember things in real life situations. suggests that supporting research for interference theory is low in external validity and therefore may not be sufficient.

Question 7

+AO3 - supporting evidence, Baddeley and Hitch (1977)

Answer 7

asked rugby players to recall the names of the teams they played in a rugby season. number of games varied as some players missed matches due to injury. players who had played the most games had the worst recall. evidence to support interference theory from real world situations.

Question 8

-AO3 - other explainations for forgetting

Answer 8

interference can be overcome using cues. Tulving showed how ppts were given lists of words in category headings and recall was high but got progressively worse the more lists they learnt. interference theory suggests that forgetting has occured, yet when ppts were given category headings (cues) they could recall again. this suggests hat interference theory may not be a suitable explaination for forgetting as it does not consider that memories may not have been forgotten but are just not accessable.