Explanations for forgetting: interference

Question 1

Proactive interference

Answer 1

Forgetting occurs when older memories, already stored, disrupt recall of newer memories. Degree of forgetting greater when memories are similar.

Question 2

Retroactive interference

Answer 2

Forgetting occurs when newer memories disrupt recall of older memories already stored. Degree of forgetting again greater when memories are similar.

Question 3

McGeoch and McDonald’s study (1931)

Answer 3

Participants learnt list of words until 100% accurate recall and then learnt new list of words.

Question 4

What were the 6 groups of different types of words?

Answer 4

Synonyms, antonyms, words unrelated to originals, nonsense syllables, no new list.

Question 5

Findings

Answer 5

Performance depended on nature of second list. Most similar material produced worst recall=interference strongest when memories similar

Question 6

Evaluation

Answer 6

Evidence from lab studies
Artificial materials
Real-life studies
Time between learning
Interference effect may be overcome with cues

Question 7

Interference

Answer 7

Forgetting because one memory blocks another, causing one or both memories to be distorted or forgotten