Memory- explanations for forgetting AO1 Flashcards
What are the two explanations for forgetting?
Interference (Proactive and Retroactive)
Retrieval Failure (due to absence of cues)
When does interference occur?
When two pieces of information become confused with one or another –> result in one or both being forgotten
What does interference between memories cause?
Makes it harder for us to locate the memories (forgetting)
What is proactive interference?
When previous learning interferes with later information
e.g. calling new partner name of old partner or forgetting new phone number but remembering old one
Effect is forwards
What is retroactive interference?
When new learning interferes with old memories
E.g. learning new postcode then unable to remember old one or being unable to remember old phone number after learning new one
Effect is backwards
What are the cause of forgetting?
Impact of passage of time/intervening events
Who proposed the concept of retrieval failure?
Tulving
What are cues?
Signposts or links to memories that make recall possible
What happens if cues are missing?
Information will be forgotten
What does retrieval failure due to absence of cues claim?
That forgetting is due to problems with accessibility
Why does retrieval failure due to absence of queues have good face validity?
Makes sense to us based on personal experiences
e.g. tip of the tongue phenomenon
What is tip of the tongue phenomenon?
Shows that one aspect of the target word we normally report remembering is the first letter and the number of syllables in the word
What does retrieval failure argue about accessibility of information in LTM?
Only accessible if appropriate cues are present at learning and at recall
What is the encoding specificity principle?
Idea that a cue for memory needs to be present when the material is learned and when it is recalled/retrieved
What is an every day example of the encoding specificity principle?
Mnemonics and memory tricks
