Interference Flashcards
Describe Interference
Occurs when information in the LTM becomes confused with other information and is disrupted or forgotten. Two types of interference are proactive and retroactive.
What is proactive memory?
Old memory interferes with the recall of new memory. More likely when it is phonetically similar.
What is retroactive memory?
Recent memories replacing older ones. Less likely when there is a gap between learning the knowledge and retrieving it as the information has more time to be rehearsed to stay in the LTM.
Evaluate interference
Research support
Strength
P - Research support to support the existence of the interference theory.
E - McGeoch & McDonald (1931) asked participants to learn lists of words until they can accurately recall them. The synonyms / phonetically similar words had the worst recall.
T - Interference is proven and is strongest when memories are similar.
Evaluate Interference
Cues
Limitation
P - Interference is temporary
E - Tulvig and Poska (1971) gave lists to remember, organised into categories. The recall got worse as they learnt more lists, however when cues are given, recall went back to normal.
T - Interference is temporary, rather the information being completely forgotten.
Evaluate Interference
Real world interference - including counterargument.
Strength
P - Evidence of interference effects in everyday interactions.
E - Baddeley & Hitch (1977) asked rugby players to recall teams they had played against. The players all played for the same time interval but the number of intervening games varied. The players who played the most games had the worst recall
T - Shows interference can operate in real world conditions, increasing validity.
Counterargument - Is unusual. This is because the circumstances for interference to occur are relatively rare. This is unlike lab studies, where the high control means a researcher can create ideal conditions. Two memories have to be fairly similar in order to intervene with each other.
