What is forgetting?
- Can occur at coding/storage/retrieval stage
- It is an accessibility issue
What is interference?
- When one memory affects our ability to recall another
- Occurs when 2 memories are similar
What are the 2 types of interference?
- Proactive
- Retroactive
What is proactive interference?
When an old memory disrupts our ability to recall a new similar memory
What is retroactive interference?
When a new memory disrupts our ability to recall an old similar memory
What was McGeoch and McDonald’s similarity of items in interference experiment?
- 1931
- All groups learn word list 1
- G1 10 min rest
- G2 learn number list
- G3 learn word list two
What were the findings of the similarity of items in interference experiment?
- G1: 4.51 adjectives
- G2: 3.68 adjectives
- G3: 1.25 adjectives
What is retrieval failure?
- Occurs when we don’t have necessary cues to access a memory
- Memory is available but not accessible unless a suitable cue is provided
What was Tulving and Pearlstone’s retrieval category experiment?
- 1966
- Read the list of words to all pps
- G1 given paper which contains the 7 categories, G2 receive no cues
- Category cues help recall
What is context dependant forgetting? (RF)
Lack of correct environmental (internal) cues
What was Godden and Baddeley’s underwater divers experiment?
- 1975
- 4 conditions:
Learn/recall words on land
Learn on land, recall underwater
Learn/recall underwater
Learn underwater, recall on land
What were the findings of the underwater diver’s experiment?
- 50% better recall when environment for learning and recall are the same
- Supports context dependent forgetting
What is state dependent forgetting?
Lack of correct personal (internal) cues
What was Carter and Cassaday’s antihistamine experiment?
- Gave pps antihistamines to make them drowsy
- 4 conditions:
Learn/recall drowsy
Learn drowsy, recall alert
Learn/recall alert
Learn alert, recall drowsy
What were the findings of the antihistamine experiment?
Mismatch of state cues causes poorer recall
