Question

Referring to the case on the previous page, what factors do you think most likely affected Karen’s ability to reconnect the electrodes correctly?

Option 1: Lack of training
Option 2: Improved technology
Option 3: Presence of distractions
Option 4: Karen's exceptional memory

Answer 1

The presence of distractions likely affected Karen's ability to reconnect the electrodes, leading to absentmindedness and possibly interference, which are common memory errors that impede the recall of stored information.

Step-by-step explanation:

The factors most likely affecting Karen's ability to reconnect the electrodes correctly include a variety of memory errors as described by Schacter. Given the context, Option 3: Presence of distractions seems to be the most likely factor. Distractions can lead to absentmindedness, a lapse in memory caused by breaks in attention, and can also contribute to interference, which affects the ability to recall stored information. Both proactive and retroactive interference impede memory retrieval, the former by old information hindering new, and the latter by new information affecting old.