explanations for forgetting: interference

• Interference


  One memory disrupts the ability to recall another.
• Proactive Interference


  Old information hinders recall of new information.
• Retroactive Interference


  New information disrupts recall of old information.
• MCGEOG AND MCDONALD:

  - they were given a new list to learn, new material varied in the degree to which it was similar to the old.

  - most similar synonyms had the worst recall

  - when given different material like 3 digit numbers, the mean number of items recalled increased

  +:

  - real life studies have supported the interference explanation

  - evidence from lab studies consistently demonstrate interference in memory

  
  

  -:

  - research is the use of artificial material

  - time allowed between learning
• when is interference strongest?


  interference is strongest when the memory is similar
• SIX GROUPS IN MCGEOG N MCDONALD?

  synonyms, antonymns, unrelated, consonant syllables, 3 digit numbers, and then no new lists as they needed a rest
• Synonyms


  Words with the same meanings as original words.
• Antonyms


  Words with opposite meanings to original words.
• Unrelated Words


  Words that have no connection to original words.
• Consonant Syllables


  Syllables that do not form meaningful words.
• Three-Digit Numbers


  Numerical sequences consisting of three digits.
• Findings of mcgeogh and McDonald

  Most similar material led to worst recall performance.
• RUGBY PLAYERS STUDY

  - study of recall of team names played during season

  - recall didn't depend on how long ago the matches took place, it was a matter of how many games they'd played since the the time they were asked to recall

  - showed that interference explanations can apply to SOME everyday situations

  +:

  - shows real life scenario, it wasn't in a lab so there was high internal validity.
• Conclusion of Rugby Study

  Interference explanations apply to various real-life scenarios.
• Memory Similarity


  Similar memories increase likelihood of interference.
• Learning Conditions


  Time between learning affects interference effects.
• Experimental Design


  Controlled conditions used to test memory recall.
• Recall Performance


  Measured accuracy of memory retrieval in studies.
• Cues in Memory


  External prompts that aid in memory retrieval.
• Memory Disruption


  Interference leads to difficulty in accessing memories.