Explanations for forgetting: Interference

Types of interference

• Proactive - old memories disrupt new ones.
• Retroactive - new memories disrupt old ones.

Effects of similarity

• McGeoch and McDonald.
• Similar words created more interference.

Evidence from lab studies

• Well-controlled studies show interference effects.

Artificial materials

• List of words are not like everyday memory.
• May overemphasise interference as an explanation.

Real-life studies

• Baddeley and Hitch (rugby players) supported interference.

Evaluation extra

• Time between learning
• Interference effects may be overcome using cues.