Memory -> Explanations For Forgetting Flashcards
Forgetting:
Refers to a person’s loss of ability to recall or recognise something that they have previously learned.
Interference Theory
Interference theory claims that forgetting occurs when two memories conflict.
- Retroactive interference is when a newer memory disrupts an older memory.
- Proactive interference is when an older memory disrupts a newer memory
Strengths of interference theory
Word lists
Synonyms & antonyms
Worst recall: Synonyms
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Practical applications
Weaknesses of interference theory
Retrieval failure may be better
Divers experiment
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Loss of information may only be temporary
Retrieval Failure
Retrieval failure argues that forgetting occurs in the absence of appropriate retrieval cues.
Some retrieval 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.
Context Cues
The environment in which material is learnt can act as a retrieval cues. This means that if you recall information in the same environment that you learned it, then your recall will be better. If you are not in the same context at retrieval as you were at coding then forgetting can occur.
State Cues
An individual’s physical state can affect their recall. Research studies suggest that recall is facilitated if people have a similar physical state at recall as when the information was coded. If you are not in the same physical state at recall as you were when you learned the information then you might fail to access the information.
Strengths of retrieval failure
Pps recall w/ instructors & teaching rooms
Context retrieval cues
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Divers experiment
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Practical applications
Weaknesses of retrieval failure
Baddeley argues that the influence of retrieval cues is not actually very strong. In real life, we often recall something in a different context to where we learnt it.
