Explanations for forgetting: retrieval failure

Explanations for forgetting: retrieval failure

1. retrieval failure is a form of forgetting which occurs when we don't have the necessary cues to access memory. The memory is available but not as accessible unless a suitable cue is provided.

2. Encoding specificity principle

   • Endel Tulving 1983 researched retrieval failure and discovered a pattern called ESP
   • ESP: recall is best when there is a large overlap between the information available at the time of retrieval and the information in the memory cues
   • some cues are linked to the material-to-be-remembered in a meaningful way

3. Context-dependant forgetting

   • Duncan Godden and Alan Baddeley 1975 carried out study of deeper-sea divers working underwater
   • procedure: diver learnt to use list of words underwater or land and then asked to recall
   • 4 conditions
     • learn of land - recall on land
     • learn on land - recall underwater
     • learn underwater - recall on land
     • learn underwater - recall underwater
   • findings: recall 40% lower in non-matching conditions. External cues available at learning different from ones at recall

4. state-dependant forgetting

   • procedure: Sara Carter and Helen Cassaday 1998 gave anti-histamine to participants.
     • anti-histamine had a mild sedative effect making participants slightly drowsy. This creates an internal psychological state different from the 'normal' state of being awake and alert
   • 4 conditions
     • learn on drug - recall of drug
     • learn on drug - recall no on drug
     • learn not on drug - recall not on drug
     • learn not on drug - recall on drug

5. research evidence

   • research support: Godden and Baddeley _ Carter and Cassaday
   • Researcher Michael Eysenck 2010 argued that retrieval failure is the main reason for forgetting in the LTM
   • increases validity - especially true when carried out in everyday life and control conditions