Lesson 9 - Retrieval Failure Theory

Question 1

Retrieval Failure

Answer 1

Argues that forgetting occurs in the absence of appropriate retrieval cues
Information and data associated are stored at the same time
When retrieval cues are unavailable, seems as if information is forgotten even though it just cannot be accessed at the same time

Question 2

Retrieval Cues

Answer 2

Some cues are linked to the material that needs to be remembered in a meaningful way
Other retrieval cues are coded at the same time of learning but not in a meaningful way

Question 3

Types of retrieval failure

Answer 3

Context-Dependent Forgetting

State-Dependent Forgetting

Question 4

What is context-dependent forgetting

Answer 4

Environment in which material is learnt can act as retrieval cues
If information is recalled in same environment that it is learnt then information is recalled better
If not in same context as retrieval as you were at coding then forgetting occurs

Question 5

What is state-dependent forgetting

Answer 5

An individual’s physical state affects their recall
Recall is facilitated if people have a similar physical state at recall as when information was coded
If no in same physical state at recall, retrieval failure can occur

Question 6

Retrieval Failure Theory Evaluation - Abernethy (1940)

Answer 6

Importance of context-dependent cues
Participants recall using mixture of familiar and unfamiliar instructors and teaching rooms
When tested by familiar instructor in familiar room, performance was best as they acted as retrieval cues

Question 7

Retrieval Failure Theory Evaluation - Godden and Baddeley (1975)

Answer 7

Importance of context-dependent cues
Asked divers to learn and recall word lists on land or underwater
Words learnt and recalled in same context were better remember due to retrieval cues

Question 8

Retrieval Failure Theory Evaluation - Darley et al. (1973)

Answer 8

Importance of state-dependent cues
Told participants to hide money in warehouse while high of cannabis
Participants were able to better recall while in similar drugged state

Question 9

Retrieval Failure Theory Evaluation - Practical Applications

Answer 9

Whenever possible, students should revise/learn in the room in which they will have their final exam

Question 10

Retrieval Failure Theory Evaluation - Baddeley (1997)

Answer 10

Influence of retrieval cues is not strong
In real life, we recall information in different context to where we learnt it

E.g. students do not take their GCSE exams in the classroom where they learnt the information