Discuss retrieval failure as an explanation for forgetting.

Question 10 Mark Scheme

Discuss retrieval failure as an explanation for forgetting. Refer to context-dependent and state-related forgetting in your answer.

[16 marks]

What is expected in the answer?

The command word “discuss” requires students to explain retrieval failure accurately, including context-dependent and state-related forgetting, and then evaluate how successfully the explanation accounts for forgetting. For 16 marks, students should develop the encoding specificity principle, use relevant research evidence, consider limitations and compare retrieval failure with alternative explanations such as interference.

The current AQA specification requires retrieval failure due to absence of cues as an explanation for forgetting.  AQA mark schemes explicitly recognise both context-dependent and state-dependent/state-related cues within this explanation.

Marks for this question: AO1 = 6, AO3 = 10

As this is an original 16-mark discussion question without a scenario, an appropriate AQA-style allocation is AO1 = 6 and AO3 = 10.

Level	Marks	Description
4	13–16	Knowledge of retrieval failure is accurate and generally well detailed. Context-dependent and state-related forgetting and the role of retrieval cues are clearly explained. Discussion is thorough and effective, with evidence, limitations and/or alternative explanations clearly related to retrieval failure. The answer is clear, coherent and focused, with effective use of specialist terminology.
3	9–12	Knowledge of retrieval failure is evident and both context-dependent and state-related forgetting are addressed. There may be occasional inaccuracies or omissions. Discussion is mostly effective and relevant evidence is used appropriately, although some points may lack development.
2	5–8	Limited knowledge of retrieval failure is present. Context-dependent and/or state-related forgetting may be insufficiently developed. The response is mainly descriptive and discussion is only partly effective. Research may be described without clearly linking it to the explanation.
1	1–4	Knowledge is very limited or muddled. There may be confusion with other explanations of forgetting. Discussion is limited, poorly focused or absent. Specialist terminology is absent or used inaccurately.
0	0	No relevant content.

Indicative content

AO1: Retrieval failure

Credit relevant knowledge such as:

• Retrieval failure occurs when information is stored in long-term memory but cannot be accessed because an appropriate retrieval cue is absent.

• Forgetting therefore does not necessarily mean that the memory has disappeared.

• The memory may still be available but temporarily inaccessible.

• Retrieval cues act as triggers or prompts that help make stored information accessible.

• Cues may be:

  • external, such as aspects of the environment

  • internal, such as a person's physiological or emotional state.

• Retrieval failure can therefore produce:

  • context-dependent forgetting

  • state-related or state-dependent forgetting.

AQA's 2021 mark scheme describes retrieval failure as forgetting caused by the absence of cues, including external contextual cues and internal state cues.

Encoding specificity principle

Credit relevant knowledge such as:

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