Forgetting - Interference (AO1)

Question 1

What is Intereference?

Answer 1

when pieces of information conflict with each other, resulting in forgetting or distortion of memory
as LTM’s are relatively permanent, it’s likely we just can’t access them, rather than them not being available

Question 2

What is PROactive interference?

Answer 2

when an older memory interferes w a newer one
e.g. teacher calling you by your sibling’s name who they taught last year

PRO = working towards (past to present)

Question 3

What is RETROactive interference?

Answer 3

when a newer memory interferes with an older one
e.g. your teacher can remember your classes names but not the class that just left

RETRO = working backwards (present to past)

Question 4

When is forgetting worst in proactive & retroactive?

Answer 4

in both cases forgetting is worse when the memories are similar

Question 5

Who conducted a Study to investigate interference as an explanation for forgetting?

Answer 5

McGeoch & McDonald (1931)

Question 6

What was the Procedure of McGeoch & McDonald’s study?

Answer 6

ppts had to learn a list of 10 words until they could recall them 100% perfectly

they were then given a list of new words to learn, before being tested on their memory of the first list (retroactive interference)

the new material varied in the degree it was similar to the old in 6 conditions

Question 7

What were the 6 conditions?

Answer 7

• synonyms
• antonyms
• unrelated words
• consonant syllables
• three-digit numbers
• no new list (control condition)

Question 8

What was the Findings of McGeoch & McDonald’s study?

Answer 8

interference is strongest when memories are more similar