9. Explanations For Forgetting: Interference AO1 Flashcards
What is interference
When two pieces of information are in conflict - forgetting occurs in the LTM because we can’t get access to memories even though they are available
What are the two types of interference
- Proactive Interference
- Retroactive Interference
What is proactive interference
Occurs when an older memory disrupts a newer one - e.g. A teacher learnt many names over the years - can’t remember names of her current class
What is retroactive interference
Occurs when a newer memory disrupts an older one - e.g. A teacher has to learn many new names this year - can’t remember the names of her current students
Why may interference be worse
If memories are similar
Why may interference be worse if memories are similar in proactive interference
Previously stored information makes new information more difficult to store
Why may interference be worse if memories are similar in retroactive interference
New information overwrites previous memories which are similar
Who studied the effects of similarity on memory
McGeoch and McDonald
What did McGeoch and McDonald study
Participants were asked to learn a list of words to 100% accuracy (i.e. Could recall them perfectly)
What was McGeoch and McDonalds procedure?
They gave participants a second list of words to learn which varied in the degree to which it was similar to old
What were the six groups McGeoch and McDonald used?
Group 1: Synonyms - Words have same meanings as original
Group 2: Antonyms - Words has opposite meanings to original
Group 3: Unrelated - Words unrelated to the original ones
Group 4: Nonsense syllables
Group 5: Three-digit numbers
Group 6: No new list - control group
What did McGeoch find about effects on similarity on memory
- Performance depended on the nature of the second list
- Most similar material (synonyms) produced worst recall
What happened when participants were given a very different list
Mean number of items recalled accurately increased
What do McGeoch and McDonalds findings show
Interference is strongest when the memories are similar - in group 1 it is likely the words with the same meanings as the original list blocked access - or new material confused old material
