Interference

    Cards (6)

    • Define interference theory
      Interference theory suggests that the time-related decay of memories can’t explain all forgetting. Instead, forgetting is thought to be mainly due to other information in LTM interfering with our ability to retrieve a memory.
    • Define proactive interference
      Forgetting occurs when old memories, already stored, disrupt the recall of new memories. The degree of forgetting is greater when the memories are similar.
    • Define retroactive interference
      Forgetting occurs when newer memories disrupt the recall of older memories, already stored. The degree of forgetting is greater when the memories are similar.
    • Lab study validity evaluation
      There’s a much greater chance interference will occur in the lab than in real life. Because the artificial materials used in studies are mostly about learning lists of words or consonant syllables (TZK). When in everyday life we try to remember birthdays, faces, & psychology studies. This shows that interference may be a less likely explanation for forgetting in everyday life than it is in a lab.
    • Interference vs time sensitivity evaluation
      Baddeley & Hitch (1977) wanted to find out if interference is a better explanation than time passing. They asked rugby players to recall the team names of opponents they faced that season. For some players it was 2 weeks ago, some over 3. Accurate recall didn’t depend on how long ago the matches took place, but how many games played in the meantime did. A players recall from 3 weeks ago was better if they hadn’t played matches since. This shows that interference can apply to everyday life.
    • The effect of similarity on interference evaluation
      McGeoch & Mcdonald (1931) studied retroactive interference by changing the level of similarity between 2 lists. Participants learned a list of 10 words off by heart. Then they learnt a new list in which the 6 groups learnt a new different type of list; (synonyms, antonyms, unrelated, consonant syllables, 3 digit numbers, & no new list). They found that when they recalled the original list, accuracy depended on the similarity of the 2nd list (synonym=worst recall). This shows interference is strongest when memories are similar.