Memory: interference

Question 1

Assumption of interference theory

Answer 1

Forgetting occurs when two memories compete with each other. (More similar = more interference)

Question 2

What is proactive interference?

Answer 2

Old memories affect new memories

Question 3

What is retroactive interference?

Answer 3

New memories affect old/existing memories

Question 4

Who conducted research into interference?

Answer 4

McDonald and McGeogh (1931)

Question 5

Describe research conducted by McGeogh and McDonald

Answer 5

• Ppts learned 10 words with 100% accuracy
• Participants had to learn another list of items (1/6 lists)
• Synonyms, antonyms, unrelated, consonants, numbers, no list.
• Interference worse when new list more similar to original

Question 6

Evaluations

Answer 6

• Artificial tasks + demand characteristics

+ Baddeley and Hitch: Rugby players, recall names of teams played, varying number of matches, more matches = worse recall due to interference

• Tulving and Psotka: ppts given 5 lists of 24 words (secret categories), as additional lists learned recall = worse, cued recall test (categories given) = improved recall
• interference overcome by cues