Forgetting (through interference)

Question 1

define interference

Answer 1

when one memory blocks another memory

causing 1 or both memories to be distorted or completely forgotten

Question 2

What does interference do?

Answer 2

make locating memories challenging

Question 3

name the 2 types of interference

Answer 3

proactive

retroactive

Question 4

define proactive interference

Answer 4

Old memory interferes w/ new memory

New memory becomes damaged / forgotten

Question 5

define retroactive interference

Answer 5

When new memory being learned interferes w/ old memory

Old memory becomes damaged / forgotten

Question 6

who is the main study?

Answer 6

McGeoch & McDonald

Question 7

McGeoch & McDonald - aim

Answer 7

To investigate if similar memories cause greater interference in different memories

Question 8

McGeoch & McDonald - method

Answer 8

1. ppt given list A - learn to 100% accuracy
2. split ppts into 6 random groups - given list B
   (except control group)
3. Remember list A + recall

Question 9

What were the types of list B’s given to participants?

Answer 9

most similar

• synonyms to the originals
• antonyms to the originals
• unrelated words
• nonsense syllables
• 3 digit number strings

least similar

Question 10

McGeoch & McDonald - results

Answer 10

increasing similarity - worser the recall

• mean no. item recalled in ‘numbers’ group was 37%
• mean no. recalled in ‘synonyms’ group was 12%