LS5 - Explanation Of Forgetting - Interference

Question 1

Interefrence Theory

Answer 1

Suggests forgetting LTM occurs due to memories conflicting. Similar memories are more likely to conflict or if there’s a gap between the memories forming they’re more likely to conflict.

Question 2

Proactive Interference

Answer 2

When an old memory interferes with the forming of a new one e.g. a teacher struggling to learn the names of new students due to past students.

Question 3

Retroactive Intereference

Answer 3

When new memories disrupt old memories e.g. forgetting old class after remembering new one.

Question 4

Why Is Interference Worse When Memories Are Similar

Answer 4

In proactive intereference stored information makes new information difficult to learn. In retroactive intereference new information overwrites previous memories that are similar.

Question 5

Intereference Study Aim

Answer 5

McGeoch & McDonald - to see if interference had an impact on forgetting.

Question 6

Intereference Study Method

Answer 6

McGeoch & McDonald - 2 tasks (one learning a list of words till 100% accurate then 5 of 6 groups had to learn a new list), 3rd task everyone had to recall original list. Each group had either related or unrelated lists (synonyms, antonyms).

Question 7

McGeoch & McDonald Results

Answer 7

The control group recalled the most, then numbers as they aren’t similar to words and the least was synonyms suggesting more similar the more interference.

Question 8

Strengths

Answer 8

Supporting Studies
Realistic Studies

Question 9

Weaknesses

Answer 9

Studies Lack Ecological Validity
Short Recall Time
Interference Can Be Overcome Using Cues

Question 10

Supporting Studies (+)

Answer 10

McGeoch & McDonald and in a lab so EVs are minimised e.g. all lists of words were standardised.

Question 11

Realistic Studies (+)

Answer 11

Baddeley Et Al - Got a sample of rugby players that played every game and some that missed due to injuries, they were then asked to repeat what teams they played. The more games players played, the higher levels of intereference. This supports retroactive intereference.

Question 12

Studies Lack Ecological Validity (-)

Answer 12

McGeoch & McDonald used unrealsitic material, we wouldn’t usually use a list of words to remember.

Question 13

Short Recall Time (-)

Answer 13

In lab studies, recall time was short e.g. 20 mins, however gaps tend to be longer in real life, meaning intereference may be gerater.

Question 14

Intereference Can Be Overome Using Cues (-)

Answer 14

Tulving - Participants had 5 lists of 24 words organised into categories recall decreased from 70% as they went through lists however when reminded of the category recall was back to 70%.