Retrieval Failure as an Explanation for Forgetting

Question 1

What is the encoding specifity principle and who was it propsed by?

Answer 1

The encoding specificity principle is where cues help retrieval if the same cues are present at encoding and retrieval.

The closer the retrieval cue to the original cue, the better the cue works.

Investigated by Tulving 1983

Question 2

AO1: RF & ESP

Answer 2

• external or internal cues
• state dependent w e.g.
• context dependent w e.g.
• esp, same, encoding, retrieval
• closer, retrieval, original

Question 3

What are the 2 AO3s?

Answer 3

A03 - Positive Practical Application (+) Abernethy 1940

A03: Cannot establish cause and effect (-)

Question 4

AO3: Practical application (+)

Answer 4

For example, when taking exams, Abernethy (1940) research suggests that revise in the exam room would enhance memory recall

explain this concept -> more accurate recall

Question 5

A03: Cannot establish cause and effect (-)

Answer 5

E: This was explored by Baddeley (1997) who argued that the link that cues create between encoding and retrieval is impossible to test and creates associations rather than causing retrieval.

theoretical as can’t be empirically studied -> can’t conclude certainly -> premature to give practical b4 theoretical