Retrieval Failure Theory

• What is the main focus of Retrieval Failure Theory?


  It explains why we forget due to failure to retrieve information.
• What does Tulving theorize about forgetting?


  He theorizes that forgetting occurs due to improper retrieval of information.
• What are the two types of cues mentioned in the study material?

  Explicit and implicit cues.
• What are explicit cues?


  Clues with a purpose, such as a theme within learned words.
• What are implicit cues related to?


  They are related to the learning of the material itself.
• What are the two types of implicit cues?


  Context-dependent and state-dependent cues.
• What was the aim of Godden & Baddeley's study on context-dependent forgetting?


  • To test recall in different contexts (land vs. underwater)
  • Created 4 scenarios for testing recall
  • Found recall was less effective when context differed from learning
• What was the aim of Carter & Cassaday's study on state-dependent forgetting?


  • To test recall under different states (influence of drugs vs. not)
  • Created 4 scenarios for testing recall
  • Found recall was less effective when the state differed from learning
• What is a strength of the Retrieval Failure Theory regarding ecological validity?


  It reflects memory in everyday life, showing mundane realism.
• What does Baddeley argue about context effects in learning material?


  He argues that context effects are not very strong in real work scenarios.
• What is a limitation of recreating extreme changes in the environment for context effects?

  It is hard to recreate these changes naturally, leading to low ecological validity.
• What issue arises when changing context effects in studies?

  We cannot determine which context effect is independent of the coding that occurs.
• Why is it difficult to measure someone's STM/LTM in context effect studies?


  Because the ability of someone's STM/LTM is unmeasurable.