explanations for forgetting

explanations for forgetting

1. inference

   • proactive inference
     • older memory interferes with a newer one
   • when two pieces of information conflict with each other
   • retroactive inference
     • newer memory interferes with an older one
   • John McGeogh and William McDonald (1931)
     • studied retroactive inference by changing the amount of similarity between two sets of materials; ppts has to learn 10 words until they remembered with 100% accuracy
       • six groups who had to learn different types of lists:
         • group 1- synonyms
         • group 2- antonyms
         • group 3- unrelated
         • group 4- nonsense syllables
         • group 5- three-digit numbers
         • group 6- no new list
       • most similar material produced worst recall --> inference is strongest when memories are similar

2. retrieval failure

   • encoding specificity principle (ESP), Tulving (1983)
     • cue has to be established when learning material AND at retrieval; if cues are absent, there will be forgetting
   • state-dependent forgetting
     • Carter and Cassaday (1998)
       • gave anti-histamine drugs to their ppts, making them slightly drowsy. creates internal physiological state that is different from 'normal' alertness
         • 1) learn on drug - recall when on it | 2) learn on drug - recall when not on it. | 3) learn not on drug - recall when on it | 4) learn not on drug - recall when not on it
           • mismatch between internal state at learning and recall --> cues are absent so more forgetting
     • depends on internal state when cues are learnt/recalled
   • context-dependent forgetting
     • depends on external environment/situation when cues are learnt/recalled
     • Godden and Baddely (1975)
       • deep sea divers learnt and recalled a list of words either in water or on land
         • 1) learn on land - recall on land | 2) learn underwater - recall on land | 3) learn on land - recall underwater | 4) learn underwater - recall underwater
           • highest recall occurred when initial context matched the recall environment; different external cues led to retrieval failure