Explanations for forgetting: inteference

• What is interference?


  When specific memories interfere with the retrival of other memories. Interference occurs when we cant access the target memory because other similar infomation makes it difficult.
• What is Proactive Interference?


  When an old memory interferes with a new one. The old memory comes forward and wrecks the new memory. EG. teacher calling you by your older siblings name.
• What is Retroactive Interference?


  When a newer memory interferes with an old one. Eg. Old teachers forgetting your name because they have taught others.
• Describe Schmidt's experiment (2000)


  700 PPS aged 11-79 were given a map of where they went to school. Then being asked to name as many roads as possible. They found a positive correlation between the number of time pps had moved house and the number of roads forgotten. Showing learning new things makes it harder to remember old ones.
• Describe Baddeley and Hitch experiment?


  Asked rugby players to recall teams they played during the season. They found that it didn't depend on how long ago the game was played, it depended on the number of games played. PPS who played more games remembered less teams.
• Describe the brain scan evidence


  Recent brain scans showed the same neural pathways often engaged in consolidating infomation and learning new infomation. The same pathways highlight how infomation is muddeled.
• Describe the 3rd type of interference


  Burke and Skrull (1988) showed adverts to pps who then had to recall details. Some pps had trouble recalling earlier or later adverts. Competitive interference occurs when pps forget adverts because they are too similar to others.
• Describe cues to overcome interference


  Eg. recalling a characteristic of depression is hard, but being prompted with there being 3 types makes it easier to recall.