Explanations for Forgetting

Overview

• Common experiences of forgetting mentioned:
  • Entering wrong password or PIN.
  • Forgetting purpose after entering a room, only to remember when returning to the original room.
• Main topics discussed:
  • Types of interference (proactive and retroactive).
  • Cue dependent forgetting.
• Resources available at psycboost.com and through Patreon.

Interference as an Explanation for Forgetting

• Interference:
  • Long-term memories can become confused with other memories.
  • Two types:
    • Proactive interference:
      • Old information interferes with recall of new information.
      • Memory moves forward in time.
    • Retroactive interference:
      • New information disrupts recall of old information.
      • Memory moves backward in time.

Factors Increasing Interference

1. Similarity of Information:
   • More likely when similar (e.g., phone numbers vs. a phone number and a postcode).
   • Causes response competition.
2. Time Sensitivity:
   • Small time gaps between learning increase likelihood of interference.
   • Larger time gaps decrease it.

Research Examples

• Retroactive Interference:
  • Schmidt's study showed a negative correlation between number of moves and recall of street names.
• Proactive Interference:
  • Greenberg and Underwood's study showed decreased recall of words with more previously learned lists.

Cue Dependent Forgetting

• Explanation: Information in long-term memory cannot be accessed due to lack of appropriate cues.
• Encoding Specificity Principle:
  • Memories encoded with context, environment, and emotions.
  • Recall affected by presence or absence of retrieval cues.

Types of Retrieval Cues

1. Context Dependent Cues:
   • External environment cues (familiar sights/sounds).
   • Godden and Baddeley's study on divers showcased better recall in original learning environments.
2. State Dependent Cues:
   • Internal state cues (mood, arousal, substances).
   • Overton's study on drunk vs. sober recall demonstrated state-dependent recall.
3. Category Dependent Cues:
   • Organization of information serving as cues.
   • Tolving and Pearlstone's experiments showed enhanced recall with categorical organization.

Evaluation of Forgetting Explanations

• Practical Applications:
  • Useful for revision strategies and improving eyewitness testimony.
  • Queue dependent forgetting used in cognitive interview techniques.
• Limitations:
  • Interference may not be a permanent loss; right cues might retrieve information.
  • Limited to similar sets of information, not everyday forgetting (e.g., birthdays, keys).
  • Laboratory studies may lack mundane realism and validity.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to try exam questions and access additional resources.
• Stay updated with videos leading to exams.
• Next video topic: Factors affecting the accuracy of eyewitness testimony.