interference theory

• what is the interference theory?


  the theory that other memories interfere with recall especially with similar memories
• whats retroactive interference?


  when new information interferes the ability to retrieve previously learned information
• whats proactive interference?


  when previously learned information interferes with our ability to remember newly learnt information
• What causes forgetting in long-term memory (LTM)?

  Interference from other memories
• How does the similarity of information affect memory retrieval?

  The more similar, the more likely interference occurs
• What are the two types of interference in memory?

  • Retroactive interference
  • Proactive interference
• What is retroactive interference?

  New information interferes with old information recall
• What is proactive interference?

  Old information interferes with new information recall
• How do retroactive and proactive interference differ?

  • Retroactive: New interferes with old
  • Proactive: Old interferes with new
• What does retrieval failure theory suggest about forgetting?

  Forgetting occurs due to inaccessible cues
• How does interference theory explain forgetting?

  Memories prevent access to other material
• What role does previously learned material play in proactive interference?

  It may prevent efficient storage of new material