Interference Theory of Forgetting Flashcards
1
Q
What is the main idea of interference theory?
A
An item gets in the way of another item, rather than displacing it.
2
Q
How many types of interference are there?
A
2
3
Q
What are the 2 types of interference?
A
1) Proactive interference
2) Retroactive interference
4
Q
What is proactive interference?
A
When something learned earlier interferes with current learning.
5
Q
What is retroactive interference?
A
When something learned later interferes with something learned previously.
6
Q
How is interference tested?
A
- participants given 2 sets of pairs to learn
- first word of each pair in each set same
e.g.
one set: table, chair
other set: table, stool
7
Q
Results of test?
A
- participants confused between sets
8
Q
Explanation of results?
A
Caused by interference.
