Questions and Answers
What is interference?
When two pieces of information conflict with each other, resulting in the forgetting of one or both pieces of information, or a distortion of memory.
What are the 2 types of interference?
Proactive and retroactive interference.
What is proactive interference?
When an older memory interferes with a newer one.
Give an example of proactive interference.
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What is retroactive interference?
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Give an example of retroactive interference.
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What study did Postman conduct in 1960 regarding interference?
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What did Baddeley and Hitch find in their 1977 study?
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Evaluate interference as a reason for forgetting.
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Study Notes
Interference in Memory
- Interference occurs when conflicting information impacts memory retention, causing forgetting or distortion of memories.
- Similarity between two pieces of information increases the likelihood of interference.
Types of Interference
- Two main categories: proactive interference and retroactive interference.
Proactive Interference
- Defined as when older memories hinder the recall of newer information.
- Example: Difficulty remembering names of current classmates because of remembering many names from a previous year.
Retroactive Interference
- Involves newer memories obstructing the recall of older information.
- Example: Struggling to recall names of old classmates after learning many new names.
Research Findings
Postman Study (1960)
- Participants learned two sets of paired word lists with identical first words.
- Results showed participants experienced both retroactive and proactive forgetting, supporting interference as a reason for memory loss.
- Critique: Lacks ecological validity due to lab study conditions, which may not reflect real-life scenarios.
Baddeley and Hitch Study (1977)
- Rugby players recalled teams played throughout the season, with varying match attendance.
- Findings indicated recall accuracy depended on the number of intervening matches rather than the time elapsed since the matches.
- Demonstrated ecological validity and supported the occurrence of interference in everyday contexts.
Evaluation of Interference
- Interference is a significant contributor to forgetting, often more impactful than the passage of time.
- Despite its significance, retrieval failure is more prevalent in daily life as a cause of forgetting compared to interference.
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Description
Explore the concepts of proactive and retroactive interference in memory. This quiz contains flashcards that define interference and discuss its impact on long-term memory. Test your understanding of how conflicting information affects recall.