explanation for forgetting: interference

Question 1

interference

Answer 1

one memory disturbs the ability to recall another, this might result in forgetting or distorting one or the other or both > this is more likely to happen if the memories are similar

Question 2

proactive interference

Answer 2

previously learnt information interferes with the new information you are trying to store

old replaces the new

Question 3

retroactive interference

Answer 3

a new memory interferes with older ones

new replaces the old

Question 4

underwood and postman

Answer 4

• to find out if new learning interferes with previous learning
• pts were divided into 2 groups
  A: asked to learn a list of word pairs, then asked to learn a second list of word pairs where the second paired word was different
  B: asked to learn the first list of word pairs only
• both groups were asked to recall the first list of word pairs

results: group B recall of the first list was more accurate than the recall of group A
overall > example of retroactive interference

Question 5

baddeley & hitch

Answer 5

• asked rugby players to recall the names of teams recently played
• however for many reasons (injuries), not all players had attended every match
• this means that the players who missed matches would have less interference meaning their recall would be better than those who had played every match
• supports retroactive explanation for forgetting
• demonstrates that interference is a reason for forgetting in our everyday life and has high ecological validity

Question 6

strengths of research

Answer 6

• most evidence comes from lab studies
• a strength as can controlled potential extraneous variables, they can be replicated and easily tested

Question 7

limitations of research

Answer 7

• individual differences, better working memory in some people, less likely to be susceptible to inteference
• use artifical material which are meaningless to pt so they do not represent everyday situation