Explanations for forgetting - interfence

Explanations for forgetting - interfence

1. Interference - forgetting because one memory blocks another, causing one to be distorted or forgotten

2. The interference theory

   • Proactive interference
     • When an old memory interferes with a new one
     • e.g. teacher forgetting your name as they have learnt so many over the years
   • Retroactive interference
     • When a new memory interferes with an old one
     • e.g. teacher has learnt so many names this year she struggles to remember last years names

3. McGeoch and McDonald - similarity effect

   • If the memories are similar the interferences increases
   • Participants learn a list of words until they new them 100%.
     • They then learnt a new list
     • There were 6 groups with different type of words
       • Synonyms
       • 3 digit numbers
       • Antonyms
   • Recall deceased from the initial list to the second
   • Worst recall was the synonyms
     • Shows interferences is strongest when memories are similar

4. Evaluation

   • Evidence from lab studies
     • Reliable and repeatable
   • Artificial materials
     • Rare to have to learn lists of words in real life
   • Real life studies
     • Rugby players have to recall the opponents they played.
       • The time since the game was less influential than the number of games they had played since
   • Time between learning in lab studies v short
   • Interference effect reduced through the use of cues
     • When participants cued with title of group recall increased