Forgetting

One explanation of forgetting is retrieval failure.

Suggest one revision strategy based on retrieval failure that could be used to improve performance in an exam. Justify your answer.

Another explanation for forgetting is interference.

Evaluate the interference explanation for forgetting.

Briefly describe retrieval failure as an explanation of forgetting. Outline one limitation of this explanation.

Natasha had studied a lot for her A-level Drama performance, mostly practising lines from a play alone in her room. However, once on stage in front of her teacher and the examiners, Natasha struggled to remember her lines. Instead, she kept quoting lines from a different play she had once learnt for GCSE.

Discuss retrieval failure and interference as explanations for forgetting. Refer to Natasha’s drama performance in your answer.

Another explanation for forgetting is interference.

Using an example, explain what is meant by retroactive interference.

Aaron was upset as he left the Spanish exam. In the unfamiliar room and full of nerves, his mind had gone completely blank. He was regretting studying both French and Spanish because he was sure he had mixed up lots of the words.

Outline one explanation of forgetting. How might this explanation account for Aaron’s poor performance in the Spanish exam?

Briefly evaluate the explanation of forgetting you have outlined in your answer to Question 08.