Explanations for forgetting - Interference

• What is the interference theory?

  Some forgetting takes place because of interference. This occurs when two pieces of information distrupt each other , resulting in forgetting of one or both , or in some distortion of memory.

  - Interference has been proposed mainly as an explanation for forgetting in LTM
• What are the two types of interference?

  Proactive and retroactive
• What is proactive interference?

  When an older memory interferes with a newer one
• What is retroactive interference?

  Happens when newer memory interferes with an older one
• What are two things that make interference more likely?

  Similarity and Time sensitivity
• What effect does similarity have on interference?

  Interference is more likely to occur when two pieces of information are similar this is due to response competition
• What effect does time sensitivity have on interference?

  Interference is less likely to happen when there is

  a large gap between the instances of learning
• Evaluation: Strength- Lab Studies


  Most evidence supporting this theory comes from lab studies i.e Underwood and Postman. This is a strength as the extraneous variables can be controlled and these experiments can be replicated so reliability can be tested
• Evaluation: Limitation- Artificial Material


  There is a greater chance that interference occurs in a lab than in real life situations due to the fact that the stimulus material used are normally a list of words.This is different to what people remember on a daily basis such as birthdays and recipes.This is a limitation because the use of artificial tasks makes interference more likely in the lab which means that interence isn't applicable to forgetting in everyday life.