Retrieval Failure due to Absence of Cues

Question 1

Cue-dependent forgetting: explanation

Answer 1

The suggestion is that internal (such as mood state) and external (such as temperature and smell) cues can help facilitate recall of a long term memory. This theory works on the idea that forgetting in long term memory is due to a lack of access to a memory rather than the availability of a memory. If the context and feelings of the individual are similar for recall to the situation where the memory was originally processed then the chances of recalling the memory will be increased. We forget because the recall is out of content.

Question 1

Cue-dependent forgetting: evaluation: Strength 1

Answer 1

There is research support for the theory such as the study by Godden and Baddeley (1975) who showed that divers recalled words better when the recall condition matched the original learning environment, i.e. underwater or on land.

Question 2

Cue-dependent forgetting: evaluation: Strength 2

Answer 2

The levels of processing theory which states that the deeper you think about information the more likely it is to be recalled supports this theory of forgetting as the cues provide a richer level of detail and thus the chance of recall is increased.

Question 3

Cue-dependent forgetting: evaluation: Limitation 1

Answer 3

Much of the research on this theory is laboratory based and therefore lacks ecological validity. The studies do not test ‘everyday memory’ and therefore it could be argued the evidence lacks validity, especially the Godden and Baddeley as recalling words underwater and then on land is not an everyday common activity.

Question 4

Cue-dependent forgetting: evaluation: Limitation 2