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interference theory
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explanations for forgetting interference theory in topic of memory aqa a level psychology
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Explanations for forgetting interference theory.- Occurs when 2 pieces of information become confused in memory, resulting in forgetting
one or both, and distortion in memory.
- Occurs when information is similar.
- Less likely to occur when there's a large gap between instances of memory.
Forgetting information from LTM may be caused by 2 competing memories interfering with
each other. This can be retroactive or proactive:
Proactive interference – when an older memory interferes with a new one e.g., teacher
learning so many names in the past and then struggling to remember her new classes
names.
Retroactive interference – when a newer memory disrupts recall of older information
and we forget an old memory e.g., changing your email and can't remember old email.
McGeoth and McDonald (1931) effects of similarity on forgetting. (retroactive interference)
- Degree of interference increases the more similar the memories are.
- Studied retroactive interference by changing the amount of similarity between 2 sets of
materials in a lab.
- Participants had to learn a list of 10 words until they had 100% accuracy.
- They then learned a new list, 6 groups had to learn different lists:
Group 1 – synonyms words with the same meanings as the original
Group 2 – antonyms words with the opposite meanings as the originals
Group 3 – words unrelated to the original ones
Group 4 – consonant syllables
Group 5 – 3-digit numbers
Group 6 – now new list (control condition)
Findings
- Group given words most similar in meaning (synonyms) remembered the least of the 1 st
set of words.
- Suggesting interference is strongest when memories are similar.
- Supporting retroactive interference.
EVALUATION
Real life research – Baddeley and Hitch (1977)
- Investigated whether forgetting was due to interference using rugby players.
- Asked rugby players at the end of the season to recall all the names of the teams they
had played that season week by week.
- Some players had missed matches due to injury.
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