Memory- REtrival failiure essay plan Flashcards
Define retrival failiure (AO1)
Forgetting due to an absence of cues
What are cues? (AO1)
Things that serve as a reminder
What is the encoding specificity principle? (AO1)
-If a cue helps us recall information it has to be present during retrieval and encoding
-If the cues available at encoding and retrieval are different/absent then forgetting will occur
Who came up with the encoding specificity principle? (AO1)
Tulving-1973
What is state-dependent forgetting? (AO1)
You are more likely to retain information if you are in the same state of mind at the time of learning as at the time of recalling it, this is an internal cue
What is context-dependent forgetting?(AO1)
Memory is better when the learning context (environment) matches the recall context, these act as external cues
What was the procedure for Goodwin et al’s study? (AO1)
-Asked volunteers to remember a word list when 3x over the drink-drive limit or sober
-Participants recalled the lists 24 hours later in the opposite state
What was the procedure for Godden and Baddelys study? (AO1)
-Divers had to remember word lists in different contexts
1)Learn on land- recall on land
2)Leran on land- recall underwater
3)Learn underwater recall on land
4)Learn underwater- Recall underwater
Evaluate Goodwin’s research as a strength
P- Goodwin’s research
E-Information is better recalled when you are in the same state you learnt it in
E- For example, if you learnt the information drunk you are more likely to remember it drunk
L- In conclusion, you recall info better in the same state it was encoded in because the internal cues are the same
Counter argument: However, the study does not take into account people’s individual differences such as alcohol tolerance which reduces the validity
Evaluate real-world application as a strength
P- Real-world application
E-Convey et al (2013) tested weather context affected recall
E-medical students were given audio lists with 30 words to learn in 2 environments which were frequently in an operating theatre and tutorial room
L- Convey found significant differences in subsequent recall, this proves that this theory is useful outside of the psychology field
Counter argument: However smith and Vela argue that context effects are not usually that helpful
Evaluate Godden and Baddeley’s research as a strength
P-Godden and Baddeley’s research
E- In 2 of the conditions the environmental contexts were not the same and recall was not the same
E- Accurate recall was 40% lower in non-matching conditions
L- The external cues available at learning were not the same as the ones at recall
Counter argument: However G+B were testing recognition and not recall, therefore the study lacks ecological validity
Give a limitation of retrieval failure as an explanation for forgetting
P- Retrivalo cues do not always work
E- Everyday learning is often more complicated than learning word lists, for example, working memory is often more complex
E- Cues do not apply to every situation
L- RF isn’t useful in every situation
When did Godden and Baddeley conduct their study and what did they investigate?
-1975
-Investigated memory in deep-sea divers
-Divers had to remember word lists
When did Goodwin et al conduct his study and what did he investigate?
-1969
-Asked male volunteers to remember a list of words when they were drunk (3 times over the UK driving limit
What were the findings of Godden and Baddely’s study?
-In 2 of the conditions the environmental contexts of learning and recall were not the same
-Accurate recall was 40% lower in the non-matching conditions
-The external cures available at learning were not the same as cues at recall
