Inteference theory

Question 1

What is interference?

Answer 1

Interference is when two pieces of information compete with each other, causing one to either be ‘overwritten’ or destroyed. Interference makes it harder for us to locate information.

Question 2

What are the types of interference?

Answer 2

Proactive and Retroactive

Question 3

Explain Proactive interference

Answer 3

Proactive interference is when an older memory competes and affects the learning and retention of a new memory.

Question 4

Explain Retroactive interference

Answer 4

Retroactive interference is when a newer memory interferes with the retention of an older memory.

Question 5

Describe the research for Retroactive interference
(support)

Answer 5

McDonald and McGeoch investigated retroactive interference through the effects of similar materials. They had participants learn 10 words with 100% accuracy. They had 6 groups who had to learn a second list which had different levels of similarity to the first, (e.g. second list- synonyms). They found that the materials which were the most similar had the worst recall when remembering the first list. This suggests that forgetting is more likely to occur when the materials are similar. Which supports the interference theory of forgetting. Increasing the validity of the interference theory.

Question 6

Weaknesses of the interference theory
(Labs)

Answer 6

Most of the research used to investigate the theory can be described as very artificial. The research has been conducted in artificial lab settings, so it is very controlled, and the task (word-pairing) lacks relevance to everyday life. This proves that it lacks ecological validity, therefore we cannot generalise the findings to everyday life.

Question 7

Weaknesses of the interference theory
(Kane)