Retrieval Failure

Briefly describe retrieval failure

• occurs from lack of cues

• Info is lost in memory - available not accessible

• Also known as cue-dependency theory

Explain what’s involved in context and state dependent cues

• STATE - internal cues from emotional / physiological state

• CONTEXT - external cues from the environment

Explain how Godden & Baddeley’s experiment (divers) supports retrieval failure theory

• divers learned and recalled word lists underwater or on land

• Higher recall when learned and recalled in same location

• Lack of external cues inhibited recall

• Supports context dependent forgetting

Explain how Carter & Cassady’s study (antihistamine) supports retrieval failure theory

• participants learned and recalled word lists after having antihistamines or not

• Higher recall when learning and recall state matched

• Lack of internal cues inhibited recall

• Supports state dependent forgetting

Explain a circumstance when cues are less effective in enhancing recall

• context isn’t distinct