memory - interference (explanations for forgetting)

Question 1

what is interference?

Answer 1

when two pieces of information disrupt each other and result in forgetting or distortion of memory

Question 2

what is proactive interference?

Answer 2

an older memory interferes with a newer one

Question 3

what is retroactive interference?

Answer 3

a newer memory interferes with an older one

Question 4

what is the effect of similarity?

Answer 4

interference is worse when the memories are similar

PI - previously stored information makes new similar information more difficult to store

RI - new information overwrites previous similar memories

Question 5

who researched the effect of similarity?

Answer 5

McGeoch and McDonald (1931)

Question 6

how did McGeoch and McDonald (1931) study similarity?

Answer 6

gave each group of participants two list of words to learn

participants with more similarity between the two lists had the worst recall

Question 7

strength - real world evidence

Answer 7

Baddeley and Hitch (1977) tested recall in rugby players

those who played the most games had the poorest recall as they had the most interference for memory

Question 8

limitation - real-world interference is rare

Answer 8

conditions necessary for it in real life are very rare

highly controlled conditions of lab study means researcher can create ideal conditions for interference, but this isn’t reflective of real life

Question 9

limitation - interference overcome by cues

Answer 9

Tulving and Psotka (1971) found interference is only temporary and can be overcome by cues - participants recall rose to 70% when given names of the categorised lists

Question 10

limitation - validity issues

Answer 10

artificial materials - information to remember in everyday life is more meaningful

unrealistic procedures - in real life, information has to be recalled much later