Interference

Question 1

What is the definition of interference?

Answer 1

It is an explanation for forgetting where one memory disrupts the ability to recall another

Question 2

What is Retroactive interference?

Answer 2

Retroactive interference: A current attempt to learn something that interferes with your ability to recall past learning
- Muller and Pilzecker - In condition A, ppts had 6 mins to learn nonsense sylablles, then a retention interval, then recall
In condition B, it was the same task but during retention, ppts were to describe a painting

Question 3

What is Proactive interference?

Answer 3

Proactive interference: When past learning interferes with current attempts to learn something
- Underwood - when ppts tried to learn a list of words in a sequence, they did not learn the words later on in the sequence, but they only memorised the words at the beginning of the sequence. Their past learning had interfered with their ability to learn the words that come after.

Question 4

What are the strengths and limits of Interference?

Answer 4

Strengths:
- Supporting research (e.g. Underwood)
- Real world applications to advertising (e.g. Danaher - recall of cognition)

Limits:
- It is artificial and lacks generalisability (Counter = Baddeley and Hitch’s study on rugby)
- It can be seen as insignificant as it only covers a small part of forgetting