forgetting

forgetting

1. interference theory

   • occurs when two pieces of information conflict each other and lead to forgetting to one or both pieces of information
   • once the information reaches LTM =permanent and forgetting only occurs when we cant access the information
   • interference between memories = harder to locate them - forgetting

2. types of interference

   • proactive interference
     • older memories disrupt the recall of newer memories
       • degree of forgetting increases when memories are similar
   • retroactive interference
     • occurs when newer memories disrupt the recall of older memories
       • egree of forgetting increases when memories are similar

3. effect of similarity- McGeoch and McDonald 1931

   • studied retroactive interference by changing the amount of simialrity between 2 sets of materials
   • participants had to learn a list of words until they could recall it with 100% accuracy
     • the learned a second set
       • synonyms
       • antonyms
       • words unrelated to the original
       • consonant syllables
       • 3 digit numbers
       • no new list = control
   • findings
     • group 1 -synonyms had the worst recall
     • shows interference is strongest when the memories are similar

4. evaluation

   • evidence from lab studies
     • lab experiments that have been carried showed that both types of interference are likely to be common ways we forget in LTM. this is a strength as lab experiments control the effects of irrelevent influences so interference is a valid explanation for some forgetting
   • artificial materials
     • there is an increased chance of interference being demonstrated in a lab than in rela life. the stimulus material is a list of words which are different from the things we learn in everyday life. this is a limitation as the use of atrificial materials makes interference more likley in the lab so interference may not be as likley an explanation for forgetting in everyday situations
   • real-life studies
     • baddley and hitch 1977 observed if interference is a better explanation for forgetting than the passing of time . they asked rugby players to remember the names of the teams they have played so far. the results showed that accurate recall didnt depend on how long ago it was but the matches they have played in between
   • time between learning
     • lab experiments can maximise the possibility of interference as the time periods between learning and recalling the list of words the whole process could be over within 20 minutes