Forgetting in long-term memory is a crucial topic in Psychology... Show more
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Forgetting in Psychology: Long Term Memory, Interference Theory, and More!
dani
@daniistypingtoo
Explanation For Forgetting in Long-Term Memory
This page discusses the main reasons for forgetting in long-term memory, focusing on interference and retrieval failure. These concepts are fundamental in understanding forgetting in Psychology.
Interference
Interference occurs when different pieces of information interfere with each other, affecting recall. There are two types of interference:
-
Proactive Interference: This happens when old learning affects the recall of new information.
-
Retroactive Interference: This occurs when new learning affects the recall of old information.
Definition: Retroactive interference is when later learning interferes with earlier learning, while proactive interference is when what we already know interferes with current learning.
Several studies support the interference theory of forgetting:
McGeoch and McDonald (1931)
This study examined retroactive interference by manipulating the similarity between two sets of materials.
Example: Participants learned a list of 10 words, then learned a new list with varying degrees of similarity to the original. When the new list contained synonyms of the original words, recall of the original list was worse.
Highlight: This study suggests that interference is more likely to occur when information is similar.
Baddeley and Hitch (1977)
This study looked at interference in a real-world setting using rugby players.
Example: Rugby players who had played in more games remembered fewer team names compared to those who had missed games due to injury.
Highlight: This study demonstrates that interference can influence recall outside of laboratory conditions.
Anderson (2000)
Anderson's work suggests that interference plays a role in forgetting, but the extent of its impact is unclear.
Quote: "It has been suggested that memories aren't actually forgotten but more so simply cannot be accessed at that point in time (retrieval failure)."
Retrieval Failure
Retrieval failure occurs when information stored in memory cannot be accessed due to the absence of appropriate cues.
State-Dependent Forgetting
This occurs when internal cues present during learning are absent during recall.
Definition: State-dependent memory refers to the phenomenon where recall is better when the individual's internal state matches the state during learning.
Goodwin et al. (1969) conducted a study on state-dependent forgetting:
Example: Male volunteers learned words while drunk or sober and were tested 24 hours later in various combinations of drunk and sober states. Recall was highest when the learning and recall states matched.
Tulving (1983) emphasized the importance of cues in memory retrieval:
Quote: "Tulving said that a cue, if going to be helpful, must be present at encoding and retrieval, and if this isn't the case, there will be forgetting."
Context-Dependent Forgetting
This occurs when external environmental cues present during learning are absent during recall.
Definition: Context-dependent memory refers to the improved recall of information when the context of learning matches the context of retrieval.
Two notable studies on context-dependent forgetting are:
- Godden and Baddeley (1975):
Example: Scuba divers learned and recalled words either on land or underwater. Recall was highest when the learning and recall environments matched.
- Abernethy (1940):
Example: Students tested by the same instructor in their usual room performed best, as the room and instructors served as context cues.
These studies highlight the importance of environmental cues in memory retrieval and demonstrate how changes in context can lead to forgetting.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Forgetting in Psychology: Long Term Memory, Interference Theory, and More!
dani
@daniistypingtoo
Forgetting in long-term memory is a crucial topic in Psychology. This summary explores the main causes of forgettingand related theories, focusing on interference and retrieval failure. It delves into proactive and retroactive interference, as well as state-dependent and... Show more
Explanation For Forgetting in Long-Term Memory
This page discusses the main reasons for forgetting in long-term memory, focusing on interference and retrieval failure. These concepts are fundamental in understanding forgetting in Psychology.
Interference
Interference occurs when different pieces of information interfere with each other, affecting recall. There are two types of interference:
-
Proactive Interference: This happens when old learning affects the recall of new information.
-
Retroactive Interference: This occurs when new learning affects the recall of old information.
Definition: Retroactive interference is when later learning interferes with earlier learning, while proactive interference is when what we already know interferes with current learning.
Several studies support the interference theory of forgetting:
McGeoch and McDonald (1931)
This study examined retroactive interference by manipulating the similarity between two sets of materials.
Example: Participants learned a list of 10 words, then learned a new list with varying degrees of similarity to the original. When the new list contained synonyms of the original words, recall of the original list was worse.
Highlight: This study suggests that interference is more likely to occur when information is similar.
Baddeley and Hitch (1977)
This study looked at interference in a real-world setting using rugby players.
Example: Rugby players who had played in more games remembered fewer team names compared to those who had missed games due to injury.
Highlight: This study demonstrates that interference can influence recall outside of laboratory conditions.
Anderson (2000)
Anderson's work suggests that interference plays a role in forgetting, but the extent of its impact is unclear.
Quote: "It has been suggested that memories aren't actually forgotten but more so simply cannot be accessed at that point in time (retrieval failure)."
Retrieval Failure
Retrieval failure occurs when information stored in memory cannot be accessed due to the absence of appropriate cues.
State-Dependent Forgetting
This occurs when internal cues present during learning are absent during recall.
Definition: State-dependent memory refers to the phenomenon where recall is better when the individual's internal state matches the state during learning.
Goodwin et al. (1969) conducted a study on state-dependent forgetting:
Example: Male volunteers learned words while drunk or sober and were tested 24 hours later in various combinations of drunk and sober states. Recall was highest when the learning and recall states matched.
Tulving (1983) emphasized the importance of cues in memory retrieval:
Quote: "Tulving said that a cue, if going to be helpful, must be present at encoding and retrieval, and if this isn't the case, there will be forgetting."
Context-Dependent Forgetting
This occurs when external environmental cues present during learning are absent during recall.
Definition: Context-dependent memory refers to the improved recall of information when the context of learning matches the context of retrieval.
Two notable studies on context-dependent forgetting are:
- Godden and Baddeley (1975):
Example: Scuba divers learned and recalled words either on land or underwater. Recall was highest when the learning and recall environments matched.
- Abernethy (1940):
Example: Students tested by the same instructor in their usual room performed best, as the room and instructors served as context cues.
These studies highlight the importance of environmental cues in memory retrieval and demonstrate how changes in context can lead to forgetting.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
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4.7/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user