Interference

• Proactive interference - Occurs when information stored previously interferes with an attempt to recall something new

  • Works forward in time
• Proactive interference: Example

  • The memory of an old phone number disrupts attempts to recall a new phone number
• Proactive interference - Forgetting occurs when older memories, already stored, disrupt the recall of newer memories
• Retroactive interference - Occurs when coding new information disrupts information stored previously

  • Works backwards in time
• Retroactive interference: Example

  • The memory of a new car registration number preventing the recall of a previous one
• Retroactive interference - Forgetting occurs when new memories disrupt the recall of older memories already stored
• Interference theory:

  • Some forgetting takes place because of interference
  • This occurs when two pieces of information disrupt each other, resulting in forgetting of one or both, or in some distortion of memory
• Interference theory:

  • States that forgetting occurs because memories stored at different times in LTM disrupt each other