Explanations for forgetting - Retrieval failure

Question 1

Retrieval failure theory:

Answer 1

LTM mainly due to retrieval failure
So information is still available, can’t access it
May be due to lack of cues

Question 2

Encoding specificity principle

Answer 2

Tulving + Thompson :
Memory is most effective if information that was present at encoding is also available at time of retrieval
Cue doesn’t have to be identical, as close to original = more useful

Tulving and Pearlstone:
PP learn 48 words, belonging to 12 categories (fruit, countries, etc)
Recall condition -
Group 1: PP recall as many words as they can (free recall)
Group 2: pp given cues (name of category) and have to recall

free recall: 40%
cues: 60%
Cues most effective at time of encoding and retrieval

Question 3

Context-dependent forgetting (external)

Answer 3

Environmental

Scuba divers asked to learn words either in water or on land
4 experimental conditions

Highest recall if context matched recall environment
: External cues when learning but not at retrieval = retrieval failure

Question 4

State-dependent forgetting

Answer 4

Mental-state

Asked male volunteers to remember list either drunk or sober
24 hours asked to recall either drunk or sober

Same state = better recall

Question 5

AO3

Answer 5

Everyday memory
Students recall more information when tested in the same room with the same teacher
Suggests students should revise in same room as exams

Context not as strong in real-life
Context have to be very different before effect is seen (land vs water)
Suggests lack of contextual cues may not be good model to explain forgetting

Artificial study (list)
Lack validity