Forgetting due to Interference

Question 1

What is interference?

Answer 1

When one memory disturbs the ability to recall another

Question 2

What is proactive interference?

Answer 2

When previously learnt information interferes with new information that is trying to be stored

Question 3

What is retroactive interference?

Answer 3

When new memory interferes with older ones

Question 4

What was McGeoch and McDonald’s study (1931)?

Answer 4

• Believed the more similar the interference is to words remembered, the worse the recall
• Participants had to learn a list of 10 words until they recalled with 100% accuracy, then learnt a new list
• There was 6 groups with different lists
• Group 1 had the worst recall which shows interference is stronger when memories are similar