Interference theory

• Overview


  Forgetting in LTM can occur through Interference. This is when one set of information competes with another, causing it to be confused in LTM. Forgetting through interference is more likely when the two sets of information are similar, and when there is a short time gap between the instances of learning.
• Proactive interference


  When previous information competes with new information so the new information is forgotten
• Retroactive interference


  When recent information competes with old information so the old information is forgotten
• Strength (retroactive)


  Baddeley and Hitch (1977) investigated interference effects in an everyday setting of rugby players recalling the names of the teams they had played against over a rugby season. Some players played in all of the games whereas some players missed games. It was found that the players who had played most games had poorest recall (most interference).
• Limitation (Interference theory)


  Individual differences – some people are less affected by proactive interference than others. Kane and Eagle (2000) demonstrated that individuals with a better working memory were less affected by proactive interference. They gave participants three word lists to learn. The participants with poor working

  memory showed greater proactive interference when recalling the second and third lists than did participants with better working memories.