Lesson 5- Explanation of Forgetting (interference) Flashcards
Define forgetting
Forgetting- inability- access/recover info previously stored in memory
What is interference?
1) Interference Theory- one explanation for forgetting- it is when 2 memories conflict in LTM-> forgetting/distorting of one or both
— Proactive interference- old memory interferes with new one
— Retroactive interference- new memory interfere with old one
Example for both- teacher 👩🏫- student 👨🎓 names
What affect do similar memories have on forgetting?
Interference ⬆️ likely/worse when memories similar- forgetting ⬆️ likely
Who investigated interference with similar/dissimilar memories and when?
McGeoch & McDonald (1931)
What did McGeoch & McDonald do?
1) All pps learnt list of same words until 100% accurate
2) Pps divided into 6 groups & learnt new list
3) Words for each group varied on similarity with original list
What did McGeoch & McDonald find?
1) Best recall from group with no new list to learn
2) 2nd best from least similar to original list (numbers)
3) Worst recall from group with new list as synonyms (most similar)
What are evaluation points for interference as an explanation for forgetting?
👎- most supporting evidence comes from lab 🧪 studies- use unrealistic material e.g. list of words- does not reflect real life tasks … interference ⬆️ likely in 🧪 setting than real life- ✖️ ecological validity
👍- supported by many lab 🧪 studies- showed both types of interference-> LTM info forgotten e.g. McGeoch & McDonald- 🧪 studies- well controlled- extraneous variables minimised … results have ⬆️ validity- interference valid explanation of forgetting
👎- lab 🧪 experiment time ⏰ period between learning & recalling lists- short- longer gaps in real life … supporting research ✖️ validity & ✖️reflect real life
👍- support from realistic studies- Baddeley & Hitch (1977)- rugby 🏉 players asked to remember names of teams played- found that accuracy depended on no. of games played since- new teams interfere with old teams played
