Forgetting in LTM

Question 1

What is forgetting?

Answer 1

• Can occur at coding/storage/retrieval stage
• It is an accessibility issue

Question 2

What is interference?

Answer 2

• When one memory affects our ability to recall another
• Occurs when 2 memories are similar

Question 3

What are the 2 types of interference?

Answer 3

• Proactive
• Retroactive

Question 4

What is proactive interference?

Answer 4

When an old memory disrupts our ability to recall a new similar memory

Question 5

What is retroactive interference?

Answer 5

When a new memory disrupts our ability to recall an old similar memory

Question 6

What was McGeoch and McDonald’s similarity of items in interference experiment?

Answer 6

• 1931
• All groups learn word list 1
• G1 10 min rest
• G2 learn number list
• G3 learn word list two

Question 7

What were the findings of the similarity of items in interference experiment?

Answer 7

• G1: 4.51 adjectives
• G2: 3.68 adjectives
• G3: 1.25 adjectives

Question 8

What is retrieval failure?

Answer 8

• Occurs when we don’t have necessary cues to access a memory
• Memory is available but not accessible unless a suitable cue is provided

Question 9

What was Tulving and Pearlstone’s retrieval category experiment?

Answer 9

• 1966
• Read the list of words to all pps
• G1 given paper which contains the 7 categories, G2 receive no cues
• Category cues help recall

Question 10

What is context dependant forgetting? (RF)

Answer 10

Lack of correct environmental (internal) cues

Question 11

What was Godden and Baddeley’s underwater divers experiment?

Answer 11

• 1975
• 4 conditions:
  Learn/recall words on land
  Learn on land, recall underwater
  Learn/recall underwater
  Learn underwater, recall on land

Question 12

What were the findings of the underwater diver’s experiment?

Answer 12

• 50% better recall when environment for learning and recall are the same
• Supports context dependent forgetting

Question 13

What is state dependent forgetting?

Answer 13

Lack of correct personal (internal) cues

Question 14

What was Carter and Cassaday’s antihistamine experiment?

Answer 14

• Gave pps antihistamines to make them drowsy
• 4 conditions:
  Learn/recall drowsy
  Learn drowsy, recall alert
  Learn/recall alert
  Learn alert, recall drowsy

Question 15

What were the findings of the antihistamine experiment?

Answer 15

Mismatch of state cues causes poorer recall