memory - interference theory

Question 1

interference theory - AO1
intro

Answer 1

• interference theory suggests
• forgetting is due to 2 types of information becoming confused in the LTM
• coded at different times
• one memory disrupts ability to call another
• more likely to occur when the info is similar
• 2 types: proactive and retroactive

Question 2

proactive interference - AO1

Answer 2

• occurs when past information stored disrupts ability to recall recent
• e.g. memory of old phone number means you FORGET new phone number

Question 3

retroactive interference - AO1

Answer 3

• occurs when recent information stored disrupts ability to recall past info
• e.g. memory of new car reg means you FORGET previous car reg

Question 4

research to support - AO3
Mcdonald and McGeoch

Answer 4

P - RTS
- McGeoch and McDonald

E - gave ppts list of 10 words to learn (list A)
- had to recall with 100% accuracy
- then given second list of 10 words (list B)
- list B = interference
- had to recall list A

E - poor recall when lists were similar 12%
- better recall when lists were different 26%

L - supports interference theory
- forgetting more likely to occur when lists are similar

Question 5

research to support - AO3
Mcdonald and McGeoch

DISCUSSION

Answer 5

P - much research into interference e.g. by McDonald and McGeoch
- high in reliability

E - controlled lab setting
- easily repeated in same conditions
- to find consistent results

E - interference = one of the most consistent findings in the whole of psychology
- interference = found to be one of the most common ways forgetting occurs in LTM

L - strengthens research to support by McDonald and McGeoch

Question 6

weakness - AO3
lacks mundane realism

Answer 6

P -criticism
- lacks mundane realism

E - artificial task e.g. learning lists of words
- does not reflect what we remember in real life
- e.g. faces, birthdays etc

E - more meaningful
- less likely to be affected by interference

L - limiting interference theory as an explanation of forgetting