explanations of forgetting - interference

Question 1

what are the two types of interference?

Answer 1

proactive and retroactive interference

Question 2

what is interference (the assumptions)

Answer 2

we tend to forget when two memories get confused with or become mixed up with each other
==> the more similar the information is, the more likely it is thought to lead to interference

Question 3

what is proactive interference?

Answer 3

when old or existing memories in our long term memory affect new memories
(interference goes forwards)

P(reactive) = PAST interfere with new

Question 4

what is retroactive interference?

Answer 4

when new memories from new learning affect old or existing memories
(interference goes backwards)

R(etroactive) = RECENT learning affects old information

Question 5

Underwood and Postman (1960) study

Question 6

Baddeley and Hitch (1977) rugby players study

Question 7

are these examples of interference proactive or retroactive?
1. a drama student rehearsing for a new play keeps remembering lines from old play
2. language student struggles to remember his previously learned Spanish, instead confusing it with current French study

Answer 7

1. Proactive
2. retroactive