It occurs when you can't learn a new task because of the older memories embedded in the brain.īecause older memories are usually retained in long-term memory, you rehearse them often, making them easier to recall. Proactive interference is when old memories disrupt the retrieval of new memories. Knowing the answer to 'What is proactive interference?' can help you understand why people may be unable to retrieve information from long-term memory. In this article, we answer the question, 'What is proactive interference?', differentiate it from retroactive interference, discuss reducing its effects, answer frequently asked questions, and share examples of managing proactive interference. Understanding proactive interference and how it differs from retroactive interference can help you identify ways to minimize its effects.
It explains why people forget long-term memories and can occur in two forms. Interference involves the ability to learn new information while retaining previous knowledge.
