Forgetting

Question 1

What are the three theory’s for forgetting?

Answer 1

Retrieval failure

Retro and proactive interference

Question 2

What is retrieval failure?

Answer 2

Retrieval failure usually occurs as a result of lack of cues, cues can be external such as context (environment) or internal such as mood. If these cues are not present at time of recall you may not be able to access memories.
Cues are associated with the memory at time of coding.

Question 3

What are the two types of interference?

Answer 3

Proactive- Old affects new
Retroactive- New affects old

Interference is worse if the previous or new memories are similar.

Question 4

Evaluation of interference?

Answer 4

Many lab experiments support the theory, (Underwood and postman) Retroactive- paired words. However artificial setting and environment, ecological validity.
It gives us an explanation for forgetting but doesn’t actually account the processes that cause the interference
May not actually be an explanation for forgetting but inhibiting recall, tulving and psotka found adding cues overcame forgetting.

Question 5

Evaluation of retrieval failure?

Answer 5

Everyday evidence- forgot there train of thought, retrace there steps back to the original context and remember. Application to cog interviews, context reinstatement.
Baddeley- recall underwater and on land.
However baddeley believes context forgetting doesn’t apply to everyday life. Very strong change in context to cause forgetting.