explanations for forgetting: retrieval failure

Question 1

what is the encoding specificity principle

Answer 1

the cues available at recall need to be the same specific cues that were there at learning

Question 2

what is context dependent forgetting

Answer 2

at recall we lack the external cues that were present at learning/encoding

Question 3

what is state dependent forgetting and what are the two categories

Answer 3

at recall we lack the internal cues that were present at learning

• physiological
• psychological

Question 4

support for context dependent forgetting

Answer 4

• Godden and Baddeley - scuba divers, 4 conditions, best recall when learnt and recalled in same context

Question 5

support for state dependent forgetting

Answer 5

• Carter and Cassady - antihistamines, 4 conditions, highest recall when in same internal states for learning and recall
• Lowe - alcohol, 4 conditions, highest recall when in same internal states for learning and recall, highest recall when drunk

Question 6

weaknesses of retrieval failure explanation

Answer 6

• has to be dramatically different between coding and recall - unlike day-to-day experiences, lacks ecological validity + doesn’t explain why we forget when things are similar

Question 7

strengths of retrieval failure explanation

Answer 7

practical application
- revision, use memorable cues
- cognitive interview - reinstate context