Memory: Explanations for forgetting - Retrieval failure Flashcards
Define cues?
any stimulus that can trigger a memory
What’s retrieval failure?
when info is in LTM but can’t be accessed. Info is said to be available (it’s still stored) but not accessible as retrieval cues aren’t present
Who researched the encoding specificity principle?
Tulving + Thomson (1973)
What is the encoding specificity principle?
States that memory is most effective if info that was present at the time of encoding is also present at the role of the retrieval. The cue doesn’t have to be exactly right but the closer the cue to the original item the more useful it will be.
Who researched context-dependent forgetting?
Godden and Baddeley (1975)
What is context-dependent forgetting?
Context-dependent forgetting is when external cues at the time of coding don’t match those at the time of recall.
What was the procedure of Godden + Baddeley’s research?
Divers learnt a list of words either underwater or pan the. We asked to recall these words on either land or underwater.
Condition 1 = learn on land recall on land
Condition 2 = learn underwater recall on land
Condition 3 = learn in land recall underwater
Condition 4 = learn underwater recall underwater
What were the findings of Godden + Baddeley’s research?
Recall was 40% lower in non matching conditions resulting in retrieval failure.
Who researched state-dependent forgetting?
Goodwin (1969)
What is state-dependent forgetting?
State-dependent forgetting is when memory is more efficient when an individual is in the same stage of consciousness (e.g. same emotional state) as they were when the memory was formed.
What was the procedure of Goodwin’s study?
asked male volunteers to remember a list of words when they were either drunk or sober. Ppts we’re asked to recall the lists after 24 hours —> ppts in the sober condition did so so we and those in the drunk condition drank again. There was 4 conditions:
Condition 1 = drunk at learning, drunk at recall
Condition 2 = drunk at learning, sober at recall
Condition 3 = sober at learning, drunk at recall
Condition 4 = sober at learning, sober at recall
What were the findings of Goodwin’s study?
The recall in the same state was better suggesting that info is more accessible.
What are the 4 AO3 points for retrieval failure?
+RWA
+Explains interference effects
-Methodological issues with research into state-dependent forgetting
-Issue with research into context-dependent forgetting
(+AO3) What was the RWA for retrieval failure?
Research suggests that it’s more beneficial to revise in the room where you will be taking the exams which is unrealistic. However further research showed that just thinking of the room where original learning took place was as effective as being in the same room. At the time of retrieval. This shows how research for retrieval failure can suggest strategies for improving recall in real-world situations such as taking exams.
(+AO3) Why is interference theory explaining interference effects a strength?
Explains interference effects. Interference effects due to absence of cues. Giving ppts cues increases recall by 20% which removes effects of interference. This shows that info was available just not retrieved.
