Explanations For Forgetting; Interference

Question 1

What is interference?

Answer 1

When two pieces of information coming to conflict

Question 2

What is proactive interference?

Answer 2

This is when old information interferes with new information

Question 3

What is retroactive interference?

Answer 3

This is when new information interferes with older information

Question 4

When is interference worse?

Answer 4

When the memories are similar

Question 5

What was the key study for this explanation on forgetting?

Answer 5

McGeoch and McDonald in 1931

Question 6

What was McGeoch and McDonald’s study?

Answer 6

Gave pcps a list of 10 words to learn - gave them a second list. Some pcps had a second list more similar to the old one than others. There were six categories for the types of words the new list would contain; synonyms, antonyms, unrelated words, nonsense syllables, three digit numbers, no new list. The worst recall was the synonyms and the best for totally different material. - shows interference is stronger for similar memories.

Question 7

What are the evaluation points of the study by MGeoch & McDonald?

Answer 7

• Evidence was gathered from lab studies so was artificial but did control variables
  + supported by real life study – Baddeley and Hitch 1977 – rugby players name team so far
• Learning condensed into a short time period – not realistic