interference theory

Question 1

what are the 6 AO1 points you must know for interference theory?

Answer 1

-Definition of Interference Theory
-Types of Interference
-Proactive Interference Example
-Retroactive Interference Example
-Research Support – McGeoch & McDonald (1931)
-Application to Real Life

Question 2

What is interference theory?

Answer 2

It suggests we forget because similar memories compete, especially when learned close together in time. Forgetting occurs due to confusion between similar pieces of information.

Question 3

What are the two types of interference?

Answer 3

Proactive interference: Old info affects new learning.

Retroactive interference: New info affects recall of old.

Question 4

What is an example of proactive interference?

Answer 4

Learning Spanish first makes it harder to learn French later, as old language knowledge interferes with the new.

Question 5

What is an example of retroactive interference?

Answer 5

Learning a new phone number and forgetting the old one – the new info blocks recall of the old.

Question 6

What research supports interference theory?

Answer 6

McGeoch & McDonald (1931): Participants remembered fewer words when two similar lists were learned. Greater similarity = more interference.

Question 7

How does interference theory apply to real life?

Answer 7

It explains forgetting things like old passwords after changing them. Shows interference is relevant in everyday memory.