Explanations for forgetting: Interference Flashcards
What is interference theory?
Interference theory suggests that forgetting occurs when two pieces of information disrupt each other, resulting in the forgetting of one or both or in some distortion of memory.
What is the primary explanation for forgetting in long-term memory according to interference theory?
Forgetting in long-term memory is likely due to the inability to access memories, not because they are permanently lost.
What are the two types of interference recognized by psychologists?
- Proactive interference (PI)
- Retroactive interference (RI)
Define proactive interference (PI).
Proactive interference occurs when an older memory interferes with a newer one.
Give an example of proactive interference.
A teacher has difficulty remembering the names of her current class because she has learned many names in the past.
Define retroactive interference (RI).
Retroactive interference happens when a newer memory interferes with an older one.
Give an example of retroactive interference.
A teacher has difficulty remembering the names of students from last year because she has learned many new names this year.
According to research, when is interference worse?
Interference is worse when the memories or learning are similar.
Who conducted research on the effects of similarity on interference?
John McGeoch and William McDonald conducted research on the effects of similarity.
What was the procedure used by McGeoch and McDonald to study retroactive interference?
Participants learned a list of 10 words with 100% accuracy, then learned a new list with varying levels of similarity.
What were the six groups of participants in McGeoch and McDonald’s study?
- Group 1: synonyms
- Group 2: antonyms
- Group 3: unrelated words
- Group 4: consonant syllables
- Group 5: three-digit numbers
- Group 6: control condition (no new list)
What were the findings regarding recall in McGeoch and McDonald’s study?
The most similar material (synonyms) produced the worst recall, indicating that interference is strongest with similar memories.
What are the two possible explanations for why similarity affects recall?
- Proactive interference makes new similar information difficult to store
- Retroactive interference causes new information to overwrite previous similar memories
Strengths of interference theory
Baddley and Hitch- asked rugby players to recall teams they played with. Those who hadn’t missed many matches struggled as there was more to remember. This shows that interference can operate in real workd situations. Therefore increasing validity
Support from drug studies
Weakness of interference theory
Study used artificial items so may lack ecological validity and mundane realism.
Interference is temporary and information can be recalled if given cues
