A01

• definition

  Interference occurs when the recall of one memory blocks the recall of another, causing forgetting or distorted perceptions of these memories 
• retroactive

  -       recent memories interfere with the remembrance of an old one due to similarity.
• proactive

  -       old memories interfere with new ones, similar info is the hardest to store
• proactive research- keppel and underwood

  -       Presented 3 letter consanant trigrams at diff intervals eg 3,6,9 seconds and had to count backwards in 3s before recalling to prevent rehearsal 

  -       Ppts remembered first trigrams irrespective of intervals, earlier consanant went to LTM which interfered w the new trigrams
• retroactive research- mcgeoch and macdonald

  -       Ppts given list of 10 words to remember then given 1 of 6 lists (varied in similarity to the list of 10 words)

  -       When asked to recall og list, those who had most similar materials to learn found it most difficult- retroactive interference has occurred BUT highlights how this occurs most when the info being learnt is more similar.