Explanations for forgetting: Interference

Question 1

What is interference theory?

forgetting takes place because of interference

Answer 1

Interference- we forget because one memory blocks the other,causes one/both memories -distorted & forgotten
Interference theory-proposed as explanation for forgetting in LTM
Types of interference:
* Proactive (PI)
* Retroactive(RI)

Question 2

What is Proactive Interference?

Answer 2

Forgetting occurs when older memories disrupt recall of new memories
e.g using old password by mistake

Pro-working forwards,from old to new

Question 3

What is Retroactive Interference?

Answer 3

New memories disrupt recall of older memories
e.g learnt new dance moves & so forgot old ones

Retro-working backwards

Question 4

outline basis of McGeoch & McDonald research on retroactive interference ( effects of similarities)

but they said interference is worth for both PI & RI when mems similar

Answer 4

McGeoch & McDonald
said interference is worse in both PI & RI when memories are similar
Interference is likely to occur when 2 pieces of info are similar
Time sensitivity-interference less likely to occur when there is large gap between the instance of learning

Question 5

Outline McGeoch & Mcdonald research on Retroactive interference (RI)

Answer 5

Procedure-studied retroactive interference by changing the similarities between 2 sets of material
1st set of p learned list of 10 words until could remember with 100% accuracy
then learned new list
6 groups of p who had to learn diff types of new list
Group 1:synonyms
Group 2:antonyms
Group 3: words unrelated to original ones
Group 4: Consonant syllables
Group 5- three digit numbers
Group 6:control group-did nothing

Question 6

Outline the findings & conclusions of Mcgeoch & Mcdonald study

Answer 6

when p recalled original list of words, the most similar material (synonyms) produced worst recall
shows interference is strongest when memories similar

Question 7

A03

studies of interference theory -lab based Mcgeoch & Mcdonald

Strength

Answer 7

studies supporting interference theory (Mcgeoch& Mcdonald) are lab-based, so researchers can control variables( e.g the time between learning the material & recalling it )
Control over confounding & extraneous variables means studies show clear link between interference & forgetting

Question 8

A03-Mcgeoch & Mcdonald used artifical stimuli in study of interference

Counterpoint to lab

Answer 8

— The artificial stimuli used in their tasks, such as learning lists of random words had no personal meaning to the p, means findings have low mundane realism.
because in real life, we likely learn lists of meaningful info which we draw links upon & also which have personal meaning to us.
These factors may influence the extent of forgetting

Question 9

A03

Limitation of MCgeoch & Mcdonalds study-short space of time

Answer 9

interference studies, are conducted in short spaces of time,
with p recalling their words 1 or 2 hours after they learnt them. This does not reflect the normal passage of time in everyday life, where we find several days pass until need to recall info e.g. in case of exam.
Therefore, this suggests that interference is invalid explanation for forgetting from LTM.