Memory 4- explanations for forgetting

What is interference as an explanation for forgetting?

Interference occurs when memories compete with each other, causing forgetting.

What are the two types of interference?

Proactive interference and retroactive interference.

What is proactive interference?

When older memories interfere with the recall of newer information.

Example of proactive interference

Struggling to remember a new phone number because the old one keeps coming to mind.

What is retroactive interference?

When newer memories interfere with the recall of older information.

Example of retroactive interference

Forgetting last year’s teacher’s name after learning a new one.

AO3: Research support for interference

McGeoch and McDonald (1931) found that learning similar material caused more forgetting.

AO3: Real-life application of interference

Explains why revision of similar subjects close together can cause confusion.

AO3: Artificial task criticism

Much research uses word lists, which lack ecological validity.

AO3: Strength – explains everyday forgetting

Interference explains forgetting of everyday information like names and passwords.

What is retrieval failure?

Forgetting occurs because the correct cues are not present at recall.

What is a cue?

A trigger that helps us access a memory.

What is context-dependent forgetting?

Forgetting due to a mismatch between the learning and recall environment.

Study supporting context-dependent memory

Godden and Baddeley (1975) – divers remembered words better in the same environment.

What is state-dependent forgetting?

Forgetting due to a mismatch between internal states at learning and recall.

Study supporting state-dependent memory

Carter and Cassaday (1998).

AO3: Research support for retrieval failure

Studies show recall improves when learning and recall contexts match.

AO3: Real-world application of retrieval failure

Used in education and eyewitness testimony to improve recall.

AO3: Cue overload criticism

When many memories share the same cue, retrieval becomes difficult.

AO3: Real-life relevance strength

Retrieval failure explains everyday experiences like “tip-of-the-tongue”.

What is decay theory of forgetting?

Forgetting occurs due to the gradual loss of memory traces over time when they are not used.

What is a memory trace?

A physical or chemical change in the brain representing a memory.

AO3: Research support for decay

Peterson and Peterson (1959) showed STM duration decreases without rehearsal.

AO3: Alternative explanation criticism

Forgetting may be due to interference rather than decay.

AO3: Lack of direct evidence criticism

Memory traces cannot be observed directly, making decay hard to test.

AO3: Limited explanation criticism

Decay cannot explain why some memories last a lifetime without rehearsal.