What type of inhibition occurs when old information makes it difficult for learners to remember new information?
The type of inhibition that occurs when old information makes it difficult for learners to remember new information is called proactive interference. This occurs when previously learned information interferes with the acquisition or retention of new information. For example, if you have been using the same phone number for many years, you may have difficulty remembering a new number when you get a new phone. This is because the old number is still strongly encoded in your memory and can compete with the new number for access to your working memory.
Here is a table summarizing the difference between proactive and retroactive interference:
| Type of Interference | Definition | Example |
| Proactive interference | Old information interferes with the acquisition or retention of new information. | Having difficulty remembering a new phone number after using the same one for many years. |
| Retroactive interference | New information interferes with the recall of old information. | Forgetting the name of a new acquaintance after meeting someone else with the same name. |
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce proactive interference, including:
- Rehearsing the new information can help to strengthen the new memory trace and make it less susceptible to interference from older memories.
- Spreading out the learning can also help to reduce proactive interference by giving the brain more time to consolidate the new information before it is exposed to interfering information.
- Interleaving can also be effective, as it involves mixing up the learning of different types of material. This can help to prevent the brain from forming strong associations between similar items, which can make it more difficult to distinguish between them later.
Proactive interference is a common phenomenon that can have a significant impact on learning. However, by understanding the factors that contribute to proactive interference and using strategies to reduce it, learners can improve their ability to retain new information.
