Explanations for forgetting: Interference (AO1)

Question 1

What is interference?

Answer 1

When two pieces of information disrupt each other.

Question 2

Why does forgetting occur in the LTM?

Answer 2

We can’t get access to memories even though they are available.

Question 3

What is Proactive Interference?

Answer 3

When old information/memories disrupts newer information/memories.

Question 4

What is retroactive interference?

Answer 4

When newer memories disrupt older memories.

Question 5

When is interference worse?

Answer 5

When memories are similar.

Question 6

Who were the two psychologists who did the ‘effects of similarity’ study?

Answer 6

McGeoch and McDonald (1931)

Question 7

Outline McGeoch and McDonald’s study:

Answer 7

Participants were asked to learn a list of words to 100% accuracy. They were given a new list to learn. Group 1: Synonyms, Group 2: Antonyms, Group 3: unrelated words, Group 4: consonant syllables, Group 5: three digit numbers and Group 6: no new list- control condition.

Question 8

What were the findings of McGeoch and McDonald’s study?

Answer 8

Group 1 (synonyms) had produced the worst recall of the second list. Interference is strongest when memories are similar.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: According to interference theory, when two memories compete for retrieval, _____ can occur.

Answer 9

forgetting