Proactive and Retroactive interference
What is the interference theory of forgetting?
Interference theory has been proposed mainly as an explanation for forgetting in
long-term memory (LTM).
In LTM as our store of information grows it becomes increasingly difficult to identify
or locate a particular item.
Interference theory proposes that people forget information because two lots of
information become confused in memory.
Our subsequent ability to remember what we are currently learning may be
disrupted or confused with by what we have previously learned or by what we learn
in the future, especially with two similar types of information.
It is assumed that one set of learning in some way interferes with another set and
wipes out the memory.
Is there more than one type of interference that results in forgetting?
Psychologists have identified two main types of interference which can result in
forgetting.
The two main types of interference that result in forgetting:
1. One main type of interference is known as retroactive interference.
2. The other type of interference is known as proactive interference.
, Retroactive interference
What is retroactive interference?
Retroactive interference (RI) is when new learning prevents (interferes with) recall of
material you have already learned.
(The interference works backwards in time – from new to old)
Example?
If you change your phone number in a very short while you will know your present
mobile number but cannot remember the old phone number.
What is the interference theory of forgetting?
Interference theory has been proposed mainly as an explanation for forgetting in
long-term memory (LTM).
In LTM as our store of information grows it becomes increasingly difficult to identify
or locate a particular item.
Interference theory proposes that people forget information because two lots of
information become confused in memory.
Our subsequent ability to remember what we are currently learning may be
disrupted or confused with by what we have previously learned or by what we learn
in the future, especially with two similar types of information.
It is assumed that one set of learning in some way interferes with another set and
wipes out the memory.
Is there more than one type of interference that results in forgetting?
Psychologists have identified two main types of interference which can result in
forgetting.
The two main types of interference that result in forgetting:
1. One main type of interference is known as retroactive interference.
2. The other type of interference is known as proactive interference.
, Retroactive interference
What is retroactive interference?
Retroactive interference (RI) is when new learning prevents (interferes with) recall of
material you have already learned.
(The interference works backwards in time – from new to old)
Example?
If you change your phone number in a very short while you will know your present
mobile number but cannot remember the old phone number.
