Question

Professor lvanovich has many vivid memories of her students from last semester and can recall most of their names. Because of ____________ she is having problems remembering her new students' names this semester. a. retroactive interference c. decay b. proactive interference d. suppression

Short answer

b. proactive interference

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the concept of retroactive interference

Retroactive interference occurs when newly learned information interferes with the ability to recall previously learned information. In this context, it would mean that if Professor Ivanovich learned new information after last semester, that new information would be interfering with her ability to remember her previous students' names.

Understanding the concept of decay

Decay is a natural process by which memories degrade or weaken over time, especially if they are not rehearsed or revisited. In this situation, decay would imply that Professor Ivanovich's memories of her students' names are weakening over time, regardless of any new information she learns.

Understanding the concept of proactive interference

Proactive interference occurs when previously learned information interferes with the ability to learn and recall new information. In this context, it would mean that Professor Ivanovich's memories of her previous students' names are making it difficult for her to learn and remember her new students' names.

Understanding the concept of suppression

Suppression is a conscious or subconscious effort to block out or avoid recalling certain memories, usually due to their negative associations or emotional impact. In this case, suppression would mean that Professor Ivanovich is deliberately or unintentionally avoiding remembering her new students' names.

Determining the most appropriate concept

Based on the definitions and effects of each concept on memory, the most likely reason for Professor Ivanovich's difficulty in remembering her new students' names this semester is proactive interference. This is because her vivid memories of her previous students' names are interfering with her ability to learn and recall the names of her new students this semester. Answer: b. proactive interference

Key concepts

Proactive Interference

Proactive interference is a memory phenomenon where older memories disrupt the ability to retain new information. This concept becomes evident when someone has a long list of established memories that make it challenging to adapt and incorporate fresh details. In this context, Professor Ivanovich is experiencing proactive interference because her strong recollection of previous students' names makes it difficult to remember new names.
Such interference is more likely to occur when the new information is similar to the older one. For example, people often mix lines of similar songs or confuse dates that coincide, perhaps because our brains form dominant memory patterns. To combat proactive interference, one can:

• Review new information frequently.
• Create distinct associations for new memories.
• Avoid cramming diverse information all at once.

Retroactive Interference

In contrast to proactive interference, retroactive interference happens when newly acquired information hinders the retrieval of older memories. If Professor Ivanovich faced retroactive interference, it would imply that learning her new students' names makes recalling her old students' names more difficult. This typically happens in environments where rapid changes and updates lead to the displacement of old knowledge.
By understanding retroactive interference, students can develop strategies to protect older memories like frequent review or reestablishment of the context in which the memory was initially learned. Techniques like storyboarding or creating visual aids can help anchor memories in one's long-term recall system.

Decay

Decay refers to the process where memories fade or weaken over time if they are not regularly accessed or rehearsed. Unlike interference, decay occurs naturally due to the passage of time and is not because of competing memories. In Professor Ivanovich's situation, decay might mean that if she didn't frequently think about or use the names of her former students, her recollection of those names might weaken.
The decay theory emphasizes regular stimulation of the memory to maintain its freshness. Incorporating practices such as:

• Regular revisiting of the memory.
• Reinforcing memories through active usage or teaching.
• Keeping records or logs that allow for quick reminders.

can help reduce decay over time.

Suppression

Suppression involves the conscious effort to push away certain memories, especially when they hold emotional weight or negativity. It's an intentional action, unlike interference or decay, and it could also be subconscious at times. If Professor Ivanovich were using suppression, it would mean that she is choosing, either knowingly or unknowingly, to block out or avoid remembering her new students' names.
Suppression becomes a coping mechanism when certain memories evoke discomfort. However, constantly relying on suppression can be mentally taxing. Awareness and acceptance of one's memories can prevent mental fatigue, and developing healthy coping strategies, such as meditation or journaling, can aid in the comfortable processing of memories, reducing the need to suppress them.