Forgetting: Interference Theory Flashcards
1
Q
What is Proactive Interference?
A
When an old memory disrupts a new one
2
Q
What is retroactive Interference?
A
When a new memory disrupts an old one
3
Q
When is interference worse?
A
When memories are similar
4
Q
Who did an experiment relating to the Interference Theory?
A
McGeoch and McDonald
5
Q
What did McGeoch and McDonald do in their experiment?
What did this suggest?
A
- Participants were asked to learn words to 100% accuracy
- Performance depended on the nature of the second list of words. The most similar material (synonyms) produced the worst recall.
- This suggests that interference is strongest when the memories are similar
6
Q
Strengths of the Interference Theory
A
- Evidence from lab studies consistently demonstrated interference in memory (empirical evidence)
- Real-life studies have supported the interference explanation (increased external validity)
7
Q
Weaknesses of the Interference Theory
A
- Artificial stimuli used in experiments (lacks ecological validity)
- Interference effects may be overcome by using cues to trigger memories
