Paper 1 - Memory - Topic 2 - Explanations For Forgetting: Interference Flashcards
2.5 What is interference theory?
Suggests that forgetting occurs when two pieces of information disrupt each other, resulting in forgetting or distortion of memory
2.5 In which type of memory is interference primarily proposed as an explanation for forgetting?
LTM
2.5 What does proactive interference refer to?
Occurs when an older memory interferes with a newer one
2.5 What does Retroactive Interference refer to?
Happens when a newer memory interferes with an older one
2.5 Who conducted research on the effects of similarity in interference?
John McGeoh and William McDonald
2.5 What were the six groups in McGeoh and McDonald’s study of retroactive interference?
Synonyms
Antonyms
Unrelated words
Consonant syllables
Three-digit numbers
No new list (Control Condition)
2.5 What was the primary finding of McGeoh and McDonald’s study?
Participants recalled the original list of words worst when the new material was the most similar (Synonyms)
2.5 What are the two possible reasons for similarity affecting recall?
Previous information makes new similar information harder to store - Proactive
New information overwrites previous similar memories - Retroactive
2.5 What did Baddeley and Hitch (1977) find in their study of rugby players? (AO3)
Players who played the most games had the poorest recall of the teams they played against, indicating interference
Illustrates that interference can operate in at least some real-world situations = increasing the validity of the theory
2.5 What is one limitation of interference theory regarding everyday situations? (AO3)
Conditions necessary for interference to occur are relatively rare in every day life
Suggests that most forgetting may be better explained by retrieval failure due to the lack of cues
2.5 How can interference be overcome? (AO3)
By using cues
2.5 What did Tulving and Psotka (1971) demonstrate about interference? (AO3)
Participants’ recall improved when given category names, indicating that interference causes a temporary loss of accessibility
Shows that interference causes a temporary loss of accessibility to material that is still in LTM, a finding not predicted by the theory
2.5 What is retrograde facilitation? (AO3)
When prior learning is improved by reducing interference from new information
2.5 What effect did the drug diazepam have on recall in Coenen and Van Luijtelar’s Study? (AO3)
Recall was poor when learned under the influence of diazepam but better when learned before taking the drug
Shows that forgetting can be due to interference - reduce the interference and you reduce the forgetting
2.5 What is a validity issue with studies supporting interference theory? (AO3)
Most studies are lab-based, using artificial materials and unrealistic procedures
