AO1 - Interference Theory

• Interference theory suggests that forgetting occurs due to two lots of information, coded at different times becoming confused in the LTM, one memory disrupts the ability to recall another memory. This is most likely to occur when the information is similar. (1) There are 2 types of interference: proactive interference and retroactive interference. (1)
• Proactive interference: forgetting occurs when past information disrupts the recall of new/recent information stored, (1) for example, the memory of an old phone number means you forget your new phone number (1)
• Proactive interference - Pro = Past disrupts recent
• Retroactive interference: forgetting occurs when recent information stores disrupts the recall of past information stored, (1) for example the memory of a new car registration number means you forget your previous registration (1)
• Retroactive interference - Retro = Recent disrupts past