When a person is trying to learn or recall a new memory while the old memory keeps interfering. Old stops new
what is retroactive interference
when new memories interfere with trying to remember old memories or information. new stops old
What was the Mcgeoch and Mcdonald procedure
Participants had to learn a set of words to 100% accuracy then were given a new set of words to remember:
synonyms
antonyms
unrelated
consonant syllables
three digit number
nothing
Mcgeoch and McDonald findings
Most similar material produced the worst recall
they concluded that in group 1 it is likely SYNONYMS blocked access or new material was confused with old. Shows that interference is strongest when memories are similar
