interference theory

• Proactive interference

  When an old memory interferes with a new one
• Research of the effects of similarity(AO1)

  McGeoch and McDonald studied retroactive interference by changing the similarity between two sets of materials; participants had to learn a list of 10 words until they recalled it accurately, then learned a new list. Most similar material produced the worst recall, showing interference is strongest when materials are similar.
• Retroactive interference

  When a newer memory interferes with an older one.
• What is interference theory

  When two pieces of info disrupt each other resulting in forgetting or distortion.
• strength of interference (AO3)

  -evidence that interference effects everyday situations 

  -Baddeley and hitch asked rugby players to recall the names of the teams they played against

  -those who played the most games had the worst recall

  -shows interference can operate in real world situations which increases validity of theory 
• Limitation of interference theory (AO3)

  -Conditions necessary for interfence are relatively rare

  -in lab studies ideal conditions can be created

  -this suggests most forgetting may be better explained by other theories
• Limitation of interference study (AO3)

  -interference is temporary and can be overcome by using cues 

  -Tulving and psotka gave participants word lists where the recall stated at 70% then decreased with each list

  -they where then told the categories and recall rose to 70% again

  -shows interfence causes a temporary loss of accessibly to material in LTM which is a finding not predicated by interfence theory