Explanations of Forgetting: Interference

Question 1

what is interference used to explain?

Answer 1

forgetting in LTM

Question 2

what are the types of interference?

Answer 2

• pro-active interference
• retro-active interference

Question 3

what is pro-active interference?

Answer 3

an older memory disrupts a newer memory

Question 4

what is interference?

Answer 4

two piece of information disrupt each other, resulting in the forgetting or one or both information or distortion of memory

Question 5

what is retro-active interference?

Answer 5

newer memory disrupts older memory

Question 6

what is the effects of similarity?

Answer 6

in both PI and RI, interference is worse when the information is similar

Question 7

who were the researchers involved in the effects of similarity?

Answer 7

McDonald and McGeoch

Question 8

what is the research involved in effects of similarity?

Answer 8

• ppts had to learn a list of 10 words until they could remember to 100% accuracy
• they then learned a new list
• there were 6 groups: synonyms, antonyms, words unrelated to original ones, consonant syllables, 3digit numbers and no list

Question 9

what were the findings of the effects to similarity study?

Answer 9

• when ppts were asked to recall original lists of words, the most similar materials produced the worst recall
• this shows interference is strongest when memories are similar

Question 10

how do we explain the effects of similarity?

Answer 10

• PI = previously store information makes new similar information more difficult to store
• RI = new information overwrites previous similar memories

Question 11

what are the evaluations of interference?

Answer 11

+ evidence of interference effects in more everyday situations
- interference is temporary and can be overcome by using cues
+ evidence of retrograde facilitation