When two pieces of information conflict with each other , resulting in forgetting of one or both or in some distortion of memory
Long term memory
Interference proposed mainly as an explanation for forgetting in LTM. When memories reach LTM, it is permanent. Thus, forgetting LTM is more likely because we can't access them even though they are available
Proactive interference
Older memories make it more difficult to remember new information
Retroactive interference
New information interferes with old information
McGeoch and McDonald
Discovered that interference is worse when the memories are similar
Procedure of McGeoch and McDonald experiment
Studies retroactive interference by changing the amount of similarity between two sets of materials. Participants had to learn 10 words until they could remember with 100% accuracy
Lists
Then the ppts learned a new list. There were six groups of ppts who had to learn different types of lists
Groups G1-G3
G1= Synonyms- words with same meanings as originals G2=Antonyms- word with the opposite meanings to the originals G3=Words unrelated to the original ones
Groups G4-G6
G4=Consonant syllables G5=Three-digit number numbersG6=No new list-these ppts just rested
Findings
When the ppts recalled the original list of words, their performance depended on the nature of the second list. The most similar material (synonyms) produced the worst recall. Thus, interference is strongest when the memories are similar
