Memory - Forgetting

Question 1

Explanations for forgetting

Answer 1

• Interference theory

- Retrieval Cue failure

Question 2

What is interference theory?

Answer 2

We forget because of similar pieces of new or old information affecting our memory

• proactive
• retroactive

Question 3

Proactive interference?

Answer 3

Old information interferes with new information

e.g. Student being called by older sibling’s name

Question 4

Retroactive interference

Answer 4

New information interferes with old

e.g. Old student being called by younger sibling’s name

Question 5

Evidence for Interference Theory

Answer 5

Baddeley & Hitch (Rugby Players)
- players forgetting teams was more due to the number of
games than the time between games

Question 6

Problems with Interference theory?

Answer 6

❌only explains forgetting when there are two similar pieces of
information that are mixed up

e.g. cannot explain why people forget the person they sat next to in Yr6

• other factors must be involved when people can’t remember
  anything

Question 7

What is the retrieval cue theory of forgetting?

Answer 7

Information is still in LTM but their aren’t enough cues/prompts to retrieve it
- our memories can only be retrieved if we have cues to help

e.g. Starting letter, location, smell, picture, sound (cues)

Question 8

Evidence for retrieval cue failure

Answer 8

Godden & Baddeley (divers)

• 16 divers into 4 groups
• learned & tested in same/different location (land/water)
• those tested in same place had best recall
• location acted as a retrieval cue

Question 9

Practical applications of Retrieval cue failure

Answer 9

• should revise in the room where exams take place
• training should be done in the workplace environment
  e. g. Oil rig workers, electricians

Question 10

Problems with the retrieval cue failure

Answer 10

❌ research is highly artificial

❌ small sample sizes in research supporting

❌ Godden & Baddeley = poor support