Proactive and Retroactive Interference: Definition and Examples

Proactive and Retroactive Interference: Definition and Examples

Proactive and Retroactive Interference Interference theory is one of several theories that explain why we forget. It posits that memories compete, which means one memory may interfere with another when an individual is trying to retrieve information from long-term memory. There are two kinds of interference: proactive, where old memories interfere with the recall of new memories and retroactive

Interference Theory

Interference, which suggests that an individual may fail to retrieve information from long-term memory because other information interferes, may cause information to be difficult to recall or completely forgotten.

Proactive Interference

When an individual is unable to learn new information because old information prevents its retrieval

Critiques

There is a great deal of research backing up the effects of proactive and retroactive interference.

Proactive Interference Examples

During the first month or two of every year, you may find yourself putting the previous year down whenever you write the date down

Sources

McLeod, Saul. “Proactive and Retroactive Interference.” Simply Psychology, 2018.

Retroactive Interference

Retroactive interference happens when an individual is unable to recall old information because new information prevents its retrieval

Retroactive Interference Examples

Just like proactive interference, many cases where retroactive interference occur in our daily lives.

Source

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