Explanations of forgetting (interference)

Question 1

What is interference

Answer 1

• when two pieces of info conflict with each other

Question 2

What are the two types of interference

Answer 2

• proactive interference

- retroactive interference

Question 3

what is proactive interference

Answer 3

occurs when an older memory interferes with a newer one

Question 4

what is retroactive interference

Answer 4

happens when a newer memory interferes with an older one

Question 5

Outline McGeoch and McDonalds study of retroactive interference

Answer 5

• ppts had to learn a list of words until they could remember them with 100% accuracy
• they then learnt a new list
• there were 6 groups of ppts that had to learn these different types of lists:
  group 1; synonyms
  group 2; antonyms
  group 3; words unrelated to original ones
  group 4; nonsense syllables
  group 5; three-digit numbers
  group 6; no new list, ppts were just tested
• findings; when recalling the original list of words, the most similar words produced the worst recall

Question 6

What is one strength of interference theory

Answer 6

• evidence from lab studies, including McGeoch & McDonalds research on retroactive interference
• this evidence gives the theory great validity

Question 7

Give one limitation of interference theory

Answer 7

• artificial stimuli

- interference is more likely in a lab than in real life