explanations of forgetting :interference

Question 1

Define interference

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Two types of interference

Answer 2

Proactive interference (PI)
retroactive interference (RI)

Question 3

Proactive interference

Answer 3

Occurs when older memory interferes with the recall of newer one

Question 4

Retroactive interference

Answer 4

Happens when newer interfere with the recall of older memories

Question 5

Effects of similarities

Answer 5

Interference is worse when memories are similar. (McGeoch and McDonald)

Question 6

McGeoch and McDonalds study on effects of similarities (procedure)

Answer 6

Studied retroactive interference by changing the amount of similarity between two sets of materials.
PPTs had to learn a list until they could remember them with 100% accuracy. They then learned a new list. There was 6 groups who each learnt a new list:
Group 1-synonyms
group 2-antonyms
group 3-words unrelated to the original ones
group 4- consonant syllables
group 5-three digit number
group 6- no new list

Question 7

McGeoch and McDonalds study on effects of similarities (findings)

Answer 7

When asked to recall the original list of words. performance of recall depended on the nature of the second list. The most similar material (group 1-synoyms) produced the worst recall. This shows that the interference is strongest when the memories are similar