Explanations for forgetting: Retrieval Failure Flashcards
Outline Retrieval failure
Form of forgetting
occurs when we dont have cues to access memory
This is a theory as to why we cannot recall from long term memory.
why do people forget refer to retrieval theory
The reason ppl forget-insufficient cues
when info placed in memory-associated cues are stored at same time
if cues not available at time of recall-appears as forgot the info but acc due to retrieval failure( not being able to access memories that are there)
What is a cue?
A ‘trigger’ of info that allows us to access a memory
Two types of non meaningful cues
- Context dependent forgetting -recall depends on external cues(weather or place)
- State dependent forgetting-recall depends on internal cues( feeling upset/drunk)
(Tulving) what is the Encoding specifity principle
States that a cue:
>present at encoding- when learn material
>Present at retrieval-when recall material
if both cues of encoding & retrieval different-will experience forgetting
What is cue dependent forgetting?
Forgetting happens due to absence of appropriate cues encoded at same time
Outline the procedure of Baddeley & Goddens Research on context-dependent forgetting (external cues)
context dependent forgetting-recall depends on external cue e.g weather
Godden & Baddeley-sea diver study
>Divers learned a list of words either underwater or land
>asked to recall words either underwater or on land
4 conditions:
>learn on land-recall land
>learn on land-recall underwater
>Learn underwater-recall on land
>Learn underwater-recall underwater
context-dependent forgetting occurs when our external cues at the time of encoding do not match
those present at recall.
Outline the findings of Baddeley & Godden’s research on Context-dependent forgetting
In 2 conditions-learning environment & recall environment matched, whilst other 2 didn’t
, recall at the ‘matching’ conditions (e.g. word list learnt underwater &
recalled underwater) was significantly larger than the non-matching conditions.
>accurate recall 40% lower in non matching conditions
due to external cues being different at learning & recall
leading to retrieval failure
Outline research on state dependent forgetting -Carter & Cassady
Gave antihistamine drugs to their participants
>antihistamines had mild sedative effect making p drowsy
>creating internal Psychological state diff from normal state of being awake & alert
>P had to learn words & passages & then recall
4 conditions:
>learn on drug-recall on drug
>Learn on drug-recall not on drug
>Learn not on drug-recall on drug
>Learn not on drug-recall not on drug
State-dependent forgetting occurs when our internal cues at the time of encoding do not match
those present at recall
Outline the findings of carter & cassaday study on state-dependent forgetting
The researchers found 40% higher rates of accurate recall in the
matching conditions, compared to the non-matching conditions.
define state dependent cues
Aspects of our internal environment act as cues to memory
(emotions,drugs etc)
being in different state would inhibit (prevent)memory-as would lack state dependent cues
Define context dependent cues
Aspects of external environment work as cues to memory
(sight, sounds, smells)
so being in diff place inhibits(Prevents) memory
due to lack of environmental cues
A03
Both Godden & baddeley & carter & cassady show how lack of relevant cues at recall can lead to both context & state dependnet forgetting
Strength
range of research support
Godden & Baddeley & Carter & Cassady show-lack of relevant cues at recall can lead to context & state dependent forgetting in everyday life
>other memory researchers-argue retrieval failure main reason for forgetting from LTM
>evidence shows retrieval failure occurs in real world & in controlled lab conditions.-increasing validity
A03
A03-Recall VS Recognition
retrieval failure limited explanation for forgetting
only applies when person has to recall info
Limitation
> Godden & Baddeley replicated underwater experiment
used recognition test instead of recall
p had to say whether recognised words read to them instead of retrieving it themselves
when recognition tested-no context dependent effect-performance same in 4 conditions
suggests retrieval failure limited explanation for forgetting
only applies when person has to recall info
A03
Context cues-used in cognitive interview & revision strategies
Strength
research into how forgetting works- practical applications, students can develop effective revison strategies & theories like context cues improving recall have been used in development in cognitive interview
