forgetting: interference

• interference:

  • accessibility not availability problem
  • two pieces of info have to compete with eachother, end up clashing + results in forgetting/distortion of one or both pieces
  • other factors affect interference: similarity + time sensitivity
• proactive interference:

  • occurs when older memory interferes with new memory
• retroactive interference:

  • occurs when a new memory interferes with an older one
• research on effects of similarity (mcGeoch + mcDonald):

  • learn a set of 10 words until they could recall 100%
  • gave a second list to remember: synonyms, antonyms, unrelated words, consonant syllables, 3 digit numbers, no new list (control group)
• mcgeoch + mcdonald findings:

  • most similar material produced worst recall - interference greatest when memories are most similar
  • recall of first list depended on nature of second list
• EVALUATION: real world interference

  • baddeley + hitch asked rugby players to recall names of teams they played - those that played most had worst recall
  • result of retroactive interference - learning new info interfered with old
  • interference can operate in real world situations, increases validity
• EVALUATION: limited explanation

  • may only offer limited explanation of forgetting in everyday situations
  • conditions are relatively rare, very unlike lab studies as researchers can create ideal conditions for interference - two memories have to be fairly similar which doesnt happen often
  • forgetting can be explained by other theories e.g retrieval failure - low external validity
• EVALUATION: validity issue

  • most supporting evidence is lab based, cant be generalised - researchers able to control CVs so studies show clear link between interference + forgetting
  • time periods between lists+ recall is brief - not applicable to real life
  • combination of artificial materials + unrealistic procedures pose problems to theory - may not be valid explanation