explanations for forgetting interference

Question 1

what is interferance

Answer 1

Interference is when two pieces of information conflict with each other, causing us to forget or distort a memory. Interference is proposed as an explanation for forgetting in the long term memory as information in the LTM is kind of permanent, so any forgetting in the LTM is most likely because we can’t access the memories, even though they are available. Interference between memories makes it harder to locate them. There are two types of interference, proactive interference, and retroactive interference.

Question 2

what is proactive interference

Answer 2

Proactive interference occurs when an older memory interferes with a newer memory. The degree forgetting is greater when the memories are more similar (older memories disrupt recall of newer memories).

Question 3

what is retroactive interference

Answer 3

Retroactive interference occurs when the new memories disrupt the recall of older memories, the degree of forgetting is greater if the memories are similar

Question 4

study into similarity

Answer 4

MCGEOH and MCDONALD
pps had to learn list of ten words until could recall with 100% accuracy then learnt a new list
group 1 - synonyms
2 - antonyms
3- unrelated
4- consonant syllables
5- 3 digit number
6- no new list

found that recall was dependant on nature of second list (synonyms produced worst recall )