Memory Lesson 5-9 Flashcards
What is forgetting
Inability to access or recover info previously stored at time of attempted retrieval
Interference theory:
Forgetting or distorting (mainly when two memories are alike)
What is proactive theory
Old memory interferes with forming of new one
Retroactive interference
New memory interferes with old
Mcgeoch and mcdonalds experiment
Pps learn list of words till perfect Divided into six grps to learn new list 1. Synonyms 2. Antonyms 3. Unrelated words 4. Nonsense syllables 5. 3 digit numbers 6. No new list (control)
What did the interference theory experiment show?
Interference decreased as you go down the groups
Strengths of interference theory
+ lab studies support
Limits extraneous variables
+ realistic studies Baddley and Hitch - rugby players remember names of teams played earlier. The more teams they played the more confused
Weaknesses of interference theory
- lab studies low ecological validity
- time between learning word and retrieving is short irl its longer (lacks validity)
- interference can be overcome by cues. Recall improved by 70% with cues
Retrieval failure due to absence of cues
Lack of accessibility rather than availability
Types of cues
- linked meaningfully
- not linked meaningfully but may relate to context
External cues
-external (context dependent)
We learn info and the state we are in
Internal cues
(State dependant)
Not meaningfully linked but still act as cues
Tulvibg and pearlstone cue experiment
Recall 48 words from 12 categories
Each word is presented with a cue
What were the results of the cue experiment
60% recall with cue
40% recall without cue
What other factor can affect recall
If environment during recall is different to that of learning
Abernethy experiment on environmental dependant forgetting
- student tested prior then weekly in different arrangements
1. Same room and instructor
2. Sr di
3. Dr si
4. Dr di
What were Abernethy results
Group one did best due to familiarity
Able students were least affected by alterations
Godden and Baddleys context dependant forgetting experiment
- 18 divers
- 36 unrelated words
a) learn on beach recall on beach
b) learn on beach recall under water
c) learn under water recall on beach
d) learn under water recall under watter
What were the results for godden and baddely
a) 13.5
b) 8.6
c) 8.5
d) 11.4
What conclusion did they come to (Godden and Baddley)?
Recall was better when environment of recall and learning was the same
Evaluation of context dependant forgetting
- baddely argues context effects arent that strong in real life
+abernethys study proves normal life contexts are important - CDF may depend on type of memory being tested
When does state dependant forgetting happen?
When your mood or physiological state during recall is different to learning