Proactive and Retroactive Interference

Interference occurs when …

one memory prevents the retrieval of another memory

Proactive Interference

an older memory interferes with a newer memory

Retroactive Interference occurs when…

new memory prevents the recall of an older memor

Strengths

(Baddeley & Hitch, 1977)

• Rugby players asked to recall names of teams they had played against over one season

• Players who had played in the most games had the worst recall

• The researchers found that the later, more recent games had interfered with recall of the earlier games

• Baddeley & Hitch concluded that interference had occurred to prevent accurate recall

• Real players = ecological validity

• good external validity

Limitations

• Temporary, using hints or cues can help with remembering previously forgotten information (Tulving & Psotka 1971)

• Much of the research used for studying interference is lab-based using artificial tasks (such as recalling word lists) which means the research has low ecological validity