2.4.1.2 Retroactive Interference

• How does retroactive interference affect memory?

  New information interferes with old information
• What is the effect of switching to a new software program at work?

  You start forgetting how to use the previous one
• How do proactive and retroactive interference differ in their effects on memory?

  • Proactive interference:
  • Old information disrupts new information
  • Example: Using an old postcode
  • Retroactive interference:
  • New information disrupts old information
  • Example: Forgetting old vocabulary after learning new
• How does the time interval between learning affect retroactive interference?

  A shorter time increases interference with recall
• How does the strength of the initial memory influence retroactive interference?

  Stronger initial memories are less affected
• What is retroactive interference?

  New information hinders recall of old information
• What happens when you learn a new method for solving equations?

  It makes it difficult to use the old method
• What is retroactive interference?

  Disruption of recalling old information
• How does proactive interference affect memory?

  Old information interferes with new information
• What are the three main factors that influence retroactive interference?

  • Similarity of Information
  • Time Interval
  • Strength of Initial Memory
• What are the two types of interference that cause forgetting?

  Proactive and retroactive interference
• How does retroactive interference affect memory?

  It makes recalling old information more difficult
• If you have a solid understanding of your old password, what is likely to happen?

  You are less likely to forget it
• How does the similarity of information affect retroactive interference?

  More similar information increases interference strength
• What is retroactive interference?

  New learning makes it harder to recall old memories
• What can disrupt your recall of previously studied topics before an exam?

  Learning new material right before the exam
• What happens when you learn two similar programming languages back-to-back?

  It makes recalling the first language harder
• If you learn a new phone number, what might happen to your memory of the old number?

  You may forget the old phone number
• Why is it important to understand retroactive interference in learning?

  It helps improve memory retention strategies
• What happens when you learn new information in relation to old information?

  New information disrupts the recall of old information
• How does changing passwords illustrate retroactive interference?

  You forget the old password after using the new one