Explanations for forgetting - retrieval failure

Question 1

What is the encoding specific principle (ESP)

Answer 1

Greater similarity between encoding event and retrieval event increases chance of recall

Question 2

What is context dependent forgetting/study for it

Answer 2

Environment at recall is different to when learning

Godden and Baddeley
Effect of environment on divers
4 conditions:
Learn on land/recall on land
Learn on land/recall in water
Learn in water/recall in water
Learn in water/recall on land

Recall was 40% lower in non matching conditions

Absence of environmental cues leads to context dependent forgetting

Question 3

What is state dependent forgetting/study for it

Answer 3

Mood/physical state at learning is different to recall

Goodwin
48 medical students in training session
4 conditions:
Drunk on day 1/drunk on day 2
Drunk on day 1/sober on day 2
Sober on day 1/sober on day 2
Sober on day 1/drunk on day 2
List of words learnt for each condition
Recall 24 hours later

Retrieval was easier for matching conditions

Absence of emotional cues leads to state dependent forgetting

Question 4

Evaluate retrieval failure as an explanation for forgetting

Answer 4

Practical applications - imagination used as cues (mental reinstatement) - counter - school content is complex to remember

Methodological issues - Godden and Baddeley study uses independent group design - participant variables e.g. memory

Evidence to support - Anti histamine drugs/word list - recall was better when on the drugs compared to not on drugs

Nomothetic vs ideographic