2. Interference theory
information in long term memory may
become confused or combined with
other information during encoding
distorting or disrupting memories.
forgetting occurs because of
interference from other memories
(Baddeley, 1999)
3. Examples-
After changing your mobile phone number,
you have a difficult time remembering the
new number, so you keep accidentally giving
people your old number. The memory of your
old number interferes with your ability to
recall your new number.
Students are often more likely to recall
information that they learn shortly before an
exam than the material they learned earlier in
the term.
4. two different types of interference
proactive
interference
retroactive
interference.
5. Proactive interference
When an old memory
interfere with remembering
new information.
older memories are often better
rehearsed and more strongly cemented
in long term memory, it is often easier to
recall previously learned information
rather than more recent learning.
6. for example –
if you move into a new house,
you might find yourself
accidentally writing your old
address down when filling out
forms. The older memory of
your previous address makes it
more difficult to recall your new
address.
7. Retroactive interference
when newer memories
interfere with the retrieval
of older memories.
this type of interference
creates a backward effect,
making it more difficult to
recall things that have been
previously learned.
8. For example:
A student is less likely to remember
the information taught in the
beginning of the year compared to
that of the information taught later in
the year.
You change your phone number. You
are only able to remember your latest
phone number and not your older
phone number.