Interference Theory

Question 1

Define interference

Answer 1

1. When 2 memories are in conflict - causes one or both to be distorted or forgotten
2. Mem is still available in LTM but can’t access them

Question 2

What are the 2 types of interference?

Answer 2

1. PROactive interference - previously learnt info affects recall of new info
2. RETROactive interference - new info affects recall of older info

Question 3

Which 2 factors influence the degree of interference?

Answer 3

1. How similar the memories are

2. If the info was learnt at the same time

Question 4

Outline McGeoch and McDonald (1931)

Answer 4

1. Study of retroactive interference
2. Changed deg of sim between 2 word lists - ppts mem one list (100% accuracy), then learned 2nd
3. Perf dec the more similar the word lists were
4. Compared to control group

Question 5

What is a control group?

Answer 5

Group that doesn’t experience the study’s experimental conditions and t.f acts as base measure of behaviour.

Question 6

What research studies is interference theory supported by?

Answer 6

1. McGeoch and McDonald (1931)
   - lab study = high controls
   - Inc validity of explanation
2. Baddeley and Hitch (1977)
   - Rugby player ppts -could recall name of teams they played against 3 weeks ago if they hadn’t played in the meantime
   - evid of interference irl

Question 7

Give one weakness of interference theory.

Answer 7

1. Supporting research used artificial stim
2. McGeoch and McDonald used word lists
3. Artificial stim = inc likelihood of interference - not applicable to everyday forgetting

Question 8

Give one other strength of interference theory.

Answer 8

1. May be overcome with cues - Tulving and Psotka (1971)
2. Ppts given list of 24 words in 6 implicit categories
3. Initial recall fell when given additional list
4. Cued recall = back to 70% accuracy
5. Gives psychologists effective ways to improve recall