Explanations for Forgetting (AQA A Level Psychology)

A researcher investigated retrieval failure using an independent groups design.

 In Condition A, 10 participants learnt 30 words and recalled them in the same room.

 In Condition B, another 10 participants learnt the same 30 words in one room and recalled them in a different room.

 The results for Condition B are shown below.

                Table 1 

 The researcher decided to use the mean to analyse the results.

State one advantage of an independent groups design.

Suggest a more appropriate measure of central tendency for this data set and explain why it would be more appropriate.

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 5 (a).

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.