Forgetting Explanations - retrieval failure + Eval Flashcards
what is retrieval failure
the inability to access memories from LTM
even though LTM duration and capacity are potentially unlimited why does retrieval failure take place
there are no cues to trigger recollection of memories
what is the cue theory known as
Encoding Specificity Principle (ESP)
who came up with the ESP
Tulving and Thompson
What is the ESP
memories are most efficient in the presence of cues
what are cues
anything present during the encoding of memories
Tulving and Pearlstone (1966)
= participants learn 48 words
- G1 = no cues (free recall) 40%
- G2 = cues recall 60%
Tulving and Pearlstone conclusions
therefore RF is more likely during the lack of cues - especially ones with a meaningful link)
Context and State dependent cues
someone’s emotional state / environment may act as cues
Contextual scenario cues
any kind of contextual situation present during encoding = cues
State dependent cues
similar mental state may prompt memory retrieval
state dependence (Goodwin et al)
2 states
drunk and sober
4 conditions
1. learn sober - recall sober
2. learn sober - recall drunk
3. learn drunk - recall drunk
4. learn drunk - recall sober
found 1 best yet 3 =second best
consistent mental state = best
Eval = good
- wide range of supporting research
lab = clear cause and effect
field = real life scenarios - ecological validity - applicable - exams
Eval = bad
- cues effectiveness = questionable
more meaningful info ‘outshines’ simple cues - ESP is not falsifiable - lacks scientific methodology
Supporting research - context cues
Abernethy = students tested in 4 different conditions
1 = tested usual teaching room same teacher
2 = usual room different teacher
3 = different room same teacher
4= different room different teacher
same room / teacher = best results
Supporting research - environmental cues
Godden and Baddeley = scuba divers learn and recall word list
1 = learn on land recall on land
2 = learn on land recall underwater
3 = learn underwater recall on land
4 = learn underwater recall underwater
best results = consistent environment
what is the relationship between Interference and Retrieval Failure
RF occurs
interference disappears when there is a presence of cues - proves that information is never permanently lost but temporarily unavailable (I) however when there are cues info more likely recalled (no RF)
