Explanations for Forgetting: Interference Flashcards
Interference
2 pieces of similar info conflict with each other, resulting in forgetting. When one blocks the recall of another. Forgetting in LTM.
Why is forgetting in LTM most likely?
We can’t get access to them even though they are available. Interference makes to harder to locate them, which is forgetting
Types
Proactive and Retroactive.
PI
Occurs when old memory disrupts new ones
RI
When new disrupts old
McGeoch and McDonald PROCEDURE
Studies RI by changing amount of similarity between 2 sets of materials. Had to learn list of 10 words then had to learn new list:
1) synonyms
2) antonyms
3) unrelated to original list
4) consonant syllables
5) 3 digit no
6) rested
McGeoch and McDonald FINDINGS
Synonyms was worst.
Strength
Lots of lab exp. carried out to explain forgetting. Shows both interference types are common ways we forget info from LTM. Strength as they control effects of confounding variables and used high controlled conditions therefore interference is valid to explain some forgetting.
Strength
Baddley and Hitch asked rugby players to remember names of teams they had played week by week that season. Some players missed out on some games so their last game was three weeks ago. This shows that it doesn’t depend on how long ago they had played. This makes sense as the more games each player had played, the more likely the memories of these newer games would interfere or block the recall of older games: retroactive interference.
Weakness
Artificial stimuli. Learning words and consonant syllables is distant from things we learn usually: peoples’ faces, birthdays, etc. Weakness as use of artificial material makes interference more likely in the lab and there is no personal meaning.
Weakness
The amount of time in between learning and recalling the lists doesn’t reflect everyday life. The experiment would be over in an hour but in reality we might have to recall a few days later we have learnt them: an exam.
