Interference Theory

Question 1

Define proactive interference

Answer 1

• This is when old information distorts new information. The degree of forgetting is higher when memories are similar

Question 2

Define retroactive interference

Answer 2

• This is when new information distorts or gets in the way of old information. The degree of forgetting is higher when memories are similar

Question 3

Define interference

Answer 3

• Where the retrieval of information from memory is disrupted by the presence of other information.

Question 4

Evaluate retroactive interference

Answer 4

• One limitation of retroactive interference is that it doesn’t account for all instances of forgetting. While it explains how new information can disrupt the recall of old information, it doesn’t fully explain why some memories are retained despite the introduction of new information. Additionally, individual differences, such as the strength of the original memory or the context in which information is learned, can also play a significant role in memory retrieval, which retroactive interference may not adequately address. This means that while retroactive interference is a useful concept, it doesn’t provide a complete picture of how memory works.