Explanations for forgetting: interference

define interference

when 2 pieces of information disrupt each other

define proactive interference

when old memories disrupt new memories

define retroactive interference

when new memories disrupt old memories

what was the procedure for researching interference

•Ppts asked to recall word list to 100% accuracy

•Then given new material to learn

•Group 1: synonyms

•Group 2: antonyms

•Group 3: unrelated words

•Group 4: consonant syllables

•Group 5: 3 digit numbers

•Group 6: no new list (control)

what were the results of the research into interference

recall was worst with synonyms of the original list so interference is highest when similar memories occur

what is a strength of interference in terms of support in real world situations

•Rugby players asked to recall names of teams played against

•Some played diff number of games. Played more = poorer recall (more interference)

therefore interference is a valid explanation for forgetting in everyday life

what is a strength of interference in terms drug studies

•Material learned just before taking a drug gave better recall than a placebo group

•Drug stopped new info reaching memory-processing brain area = no interference w/ stored info

therefore interference is a likely explanation for forgetting as the more interference there is the more forgetting occurs

what is a weakness of interference in terms of the use of cues

•Ppts given lists of words organised into categories

Recall of first list was 70% but fell w/ each new list

•When given cued recall test (told category names), recall rose to 70% again

therefore interference just causes temporary loss of memory in LTM