Explanations for forgetting: Interference
Interference theory
Some forgetting takes place because of interference. This is when 2 pieces of information conflict with
each other. Forgetting 1 or both, or in some distortion of memory.
Interference is mainly proposed for long-term memory. Once information has reached LTM it is more-
or-less permanent. Any forgetting of LTM is more likely because we cannot access the memories even
though they are available. Interference between memories makes it harder for us to locate them, and
this is experienced as “forgetting”.
1
, 2
Interference theory
Some forgetting takes place because of interference. This is when 2 pieces of information conflict with
each other. Forgetting 1 or both, or in some distortion of memory.
Interference is mainly proposed for long-term memory. Once information has reached LTM it is more-
or-less permanent. Any forgetting of LTM is more likely because we cannot access the memories even
though they are available. Interference between memories makes it harder for us to locate them, and
this is experienced as “forgetting”.
1
, 2
