Forgetting Interference

Question 1

Why does forgetting occur

Answer 1

we cant get access to memories even though they are available

Question 2

Difference between proactive and retroactive

Answer 2

proactive is past info interferes with new
retro is new interferes with old

Question 3

Explain McGeoch and McDonalds procedure

Answer 3

PPTS were asked to recall a bunch of words. They found out that the synonyms (most similar words) produced the worst recall. When the ppts were given different data e.g. 3 digit numbers the mean recall increased

Question 4

What are advantages for forgetting interference

Answer 4

Lab study evidence e.g. McGeoch + McDonald
Real life studies support

Question 5

What is a disadvantage for forgetting interference

Answer 5

Studies/Research used artificial materials which can lack ecological validity -> may not be reliable / replicable

Question 6

What did Underwood do?

Answer 6

PPTS were asked to learn a list of words
After a delay they were asked to learn a new list of words
They found out that ppts who learnt the old words had worse recall for learning the later (newer) lists. This showed a high degree of proactive interference