explanations for forgetting: interference

• interference: this occurs when two pieces of information conflict, which results in one or both being forgotten or a distortion of the memory.

  • it suggests that the memory is still available, we just cannot access it properly
• proactive interference: old memories disrupt recall of new information

  retroactive interference: new memories interfere with the recall of old information
• • mcgeoch and mcdonald studied retroactive interference
  • Participants learned a list of words to 100% accuracy, then a new list.
  • Six groups learned different types of lists.
  • Recall was worse when the new list had similar meanings to the original.
  • Recall was good when the new list was dissimilar (e.g., 3-digit numbers).
  • Findings show retroactive interference is strongest when new information is similar to old.
• P - one strength is that there is evidence of interference effects in more everyday situations

  E - baddeley and hitch's study observed rugby players recalling teams they faced over a season, with varying interference due to injuries.

  E - Players with more intervening games (higher interference) had poorer recall.

  L - This research validates memory theories beyond labs, emphasizing interference's practical relevance in understanding memory processes.
• P - one weakness of research into this area is the use of artificial stimuli

  E - Word lists lack the complexity of everyday memory tasks, failing to capture the full range of stimuli and situations.

  E - Experiments using word lists may lack mundane realism, limiting their ability to reflect real-world memory experiences accurately.

  L - Thus, findings from these studies may not fully represent how memory operates in practical contexts, potentially restricting their applicability outside of the laboratory setting.
• P - one weakness of interference is that it may only explain a temporary loss of information

  E - Tulving and Psotka's study showed recall decreasing with each additional list due to proactive interference.

  E - However, recall improved when participants were given category names during a cued recall test, suggesting the information was still in long-term memory.

  L - This challenges interference theory's prediction of permanent loss, indicating interference causes temporary accessibility issues rather than complete disappearance from long-term memory.