Explanations for forgetting- Interference

Question 1

What is interference as an explanation for forgetting?

Answer 1

One memory is distrupting the abillity to recall another memory that was stored at a different times. This usually happens or gets worse with similar memories.

Question 2

What two types of interference is there?

Answer 2

• Pro Active Interference
• Retro Active Interference

Question 3

What is Pro Active Interference?

Answer 3

When old information distrupts your ability to remember new information.

Question 4

What is Retro Active Interference?

Answer 4

When new information distrupts your ability to remember old information.

Question 5

Outline McGeoch and McDonald (1931)’s study

Answer 5

Particpants had to learn a list of ten words until they could recall them with 100% accuracy.

Then they had to learn a new list. There were 6 groups whom all learned different types of lists:
1. Synonyms
2. Antonyms
3. Words related to the orginal
4. Nonsense Syllables
5. Three-digit numbers
6. No new list- participants just rested

When participants recalled the orginal word list their performance depended on the nature of the second list. The most similar material (synonyms) produced the worst recall. This showed that interference is strongest when the memories are similar.