memory proactive and retroactive interference

• Who proposed the Decay Theory in the 19th century?

  Hermann Ebbinghaus
• What does the Decay Theory state about forgetting?

  Forgetting happens simply due to the passage of time.
• What is one reason given for why we forget things from long-term memory?

  Interference from other tasks can affect memory recall.
• What is proactive interference?

  Proactive interference occurs when existing memories affect new memories.
• What is retroactive interference?

  Retroactive interference occurs when new memories affect old memories.
• How can you remember the difference between proactive and retroactive interference?

  Proactive interference (P) is past memories interfering with new learning, while retroactive interference (R) is recent learning interfering with old information.
• In the example given, what type of interference is demonstrated when forgetting where you parked your car?

  This is an example of proactive interference.
• What was the aim of the study conducted by McGow and McDonald in 1931?

  To test if new information would interfere with the recall of old information.
• What did the study by McGow and McDonald find regarding recall of original words?

  Recall was worst when the new list was similar to the original list.
• What is a criticism of laboratory research on memory, such as that conducted by McGow and McDonald?

  The use of artificial tasks may not reflect typical everyday memory use.
• What did Baddeley and Hitch's study on rugby players aim to investigate?

  Whether interference could better explain forgetting than the passage of time.
• What did Baddeley and Hitch find regarding the recall of rugby players?

  The number of games played influenced their ability to recall past matches, not just the passage of time.
• What did the research by Tulving and Pearlstone in 1971 demonstrate about memory recall?


  Cues can significantly improve memory recall that has been affected by interference.
• What was the effect of providing participants with categories for word lists in Tulving and Pearlstone's study?

  Memory recall improved back up to 70% accuracy.
• What are the two types of interference in memory?

  • Proactive interference: Past memories interfere with new learning.
  • Retroactive interference: Recent learning interferes with old information.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of interference as an explanation for forgetting?

  Strengths:

  • Supported by laboratory studies showing interference effects.
  • Real-life studies (e.g., rugby players) demonstrate its relevance.

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Laboratory studies often use artificial tasks.
  • Interference may not occur frequently in everyday life.
• What is the role of cues in memory recall?

  • Cues can help overcome interference.
  • They improve accessibility to memories that are still in long-term memory.