INTERFERENCE

• Interference is forgetting because one memory is being blocked by another, causing one or both memories to be distorted
• Proactive interference occurs when old information interferes with the learning of new information.
• Retroactive interference occurs when new information interferes with the recall of previously learned material.
• If the original memory was strong then it may not be affected as much by interference from other memories.
• If the original memory was weak then it may be more easily forgotten due to interference from other memories.
• Would a teacher learning so many names in the past meaning it's difficult to remember new ones be proactive or retroactive interference?

  Proactive
• Would a teacher learning so many names this year meaning she has difficulty remembering the names of her students from last year proactive or retroactive interference?

  Retroactive
• MCGEOCH + MDONALD - EFFECTS ON SIMILARITY - STUDY (1931)

  • Learn a 10 word list until off by heart
  • 6 groups who had to learn different types of new lists
  • Group 1 - Synonyms
  • Group 2 - Antonyms
  • Group 3 - Unrelated words
  • Group 4 - Consonant syllables
  • Group 5 - 3 digit numbers
  • Group 6 - No new list
• MCGEOCH + MCDONALD - EFFECTS ON SIMILARITY - FINDINGS

  • When asked the original list, synonyms produced the worst recall
  • Shows interference is similar when the memories are similar