Memory- Explanations For Forgetting Flashcards
What is interference theory?
Forgetting because one memory blocks the other- causing distortion/forgetting of one or both memories. Mainly LTM- can’t access, not necessarily gone.
What is proactive interference?
Old memories disrupting recall of newer memories. E.g. can’t remember new postcode.
What is retroactive interference?
New memories disrupting the recall of old memories. E.g. can’t remember current language you’re learning because of a different one learnt previously
What is the aim of postman’s study of retroactive interference?
To investigate how retroactive interference affects learning.
What is the method and findings of postman’s study of retroactive interference?
Lab exp- 2 groups, both groups learnt a list of word pairs, and one group then had to also learn a further word pair list. Control group recalled better.
What are 2 strengths of interference theory as an explanation for forgetting?
Postman’s study- empirical evidence
Real world application for proactive interference.
More likely to occur when info is similar e.g. phone numbers. Chandler says students who take similar school subjects more likely to experience interference.
High ecological validity.
What is a weakness of interference theory as an explanation for forgetting?
Artificial materials.
Word lists not representative of how memory is used in daily life. Could lack accuracy.
Low ecological validity.
What is retrieval failure theory?
A form of forgetting because you don’t have the necessary cues to access the memory.
What is a cue?
Trigger of information which allows us to access a memory- can be internal or external.
States that if a cue is going to help us recall information it must be present for both encoding and retrieval. If present for encoding but absent for retrieval, then forgetting will occur.
What is context-dependent forgetting?
Refers to environmental cues
What is state-dependent forgetting?
Refers to internal cues such as physical/emotional feelings
Describe Baddeleys deep sea diver study
Divers learnt a list of words either underwater or on land, and then recalled.
Conditions- LOL, ROL, LUW, RUW, LOL, RUW, LUW, ROL.
Accurate recall 40% lower in non- matching conditions.
Cue present at encoding but absent at retrieval. Leads to forgetting.
Describe Goodwins effect of alcohol study
Self- report study used to find that info encoded when drunk was better retrieved when also drunk.
Money hidden when drunk, struggled to find when sober.
However self report. Social desirability bias.
What are two strengths for retrieval failure theory?
Baddeleys deep sea diver study (context dependent)
Goodwins effect of alcohol study
(State dependent)
What is a weakness of retrieval failure theory?
Questioning context effects.
Contexts have to be drastically different for effects to be seen. E.g. different classrooms are too similar.
Low internal validity.
