Question

_____ interference occurs when material is difficult to retrieve because of subsequent exposure to other material; _____ interference refers to difficulty in retrieving material as a result of the interference of previously learned material.

Short answer

The correct answers are Retroactive Interference and Proactive Interference. The first blank should be filled with 'Retroactive' referring to the issue where new learnings obstruct the retrieval of old information. The second blank should be filled with 'Proactive', representing the scenario where old information impedes the recall of new information.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the first type of interference

The first blank refers to the interference that takes place when the ability to recall older material is hindered due to exposure to newer material. This is called Retroactive Interference. In such cases, the new information thwarts (or interferes with) the recovery of old information.

Identifying the second type of interference

The second blank refers to the interference in which previously learned material obstructs the ability to remember newer material. This is termed Proactive Interference. In this scenario, the old information prevents or thwarts the recall of newer, recently learned information.

Key concepts

Retroactive Interference

Imagine studying for an exam, and just as you think you have the material down, you switch to reviewing a different subject. Why might it suddenly become difficult to recall the first set of information? This phenomenon is known as Retroactive Interference.

Retroactive Interference occurs when newer information disrupts the recall of older, previously learned material. For example, if you learned Spanish last semester and are now learning French, you may discover that some French vocabulary is interfering with your ability to remember the Spanish words you learned earlier. This can be frustrating for students who are taking multiple courses or learning multiple skills in a short time frame.

One way to mitigate retroactive interference is through spaced repetition, a study technique in which information is reviewed at increasing intervals over time. By frequently revisiting older material while learning new content, you can strengthen your memory retrieval and reduce the impact of interference.

Proactive Interference

On the flip side, there is another type of memory challenge called Proactive Interference. This occurs when past learning interferes with the ability to encode and recall new information. This interference can make learning a continued sequence of similar information especially challenging.

An example of proactive interference is having trouble memorizing a new phone number because your old number keeps popping into your mind. In essence, the old information overpowers the new, making it harder to learn and remember the fresh material. To combat this, students can practice retrieval techniques, like self-testing, which have been shown to strengthen memory for new information and minimize the effect of proactive interference.

Memory Retrieval

Memory Retrieval is the process of recalling information that has been encoded and stored in our brain. Imagine memory as a vast library, and retrieval is the act of finding and checking out the book you need. The ease or difficulty of this process is influenced by several factors, such as how the information was encoded, how similar it is to other information, and how often it has been revisited or used.

To enhance memory retrieval, techniques such as elaborative rehearsal, which involves explaining and giving meaning to the information, can be highly effective. By forming associations, creating mental images, or connecting new information to what is already known, students can create 'memory hooks' that make retrieving information easier and more reliable. Regular review sessions and practicing the information in different contexts can also greatly improve memory retrieval.