Interference theory

Interference theory is a psychological theory that explains the phenomenon of forgetting as the result of competing memories. According to this theory, the ability to remember information can be disrupted by what we have learned both before and after a given event. Interference theory is often contrasted with the decay theory, which suggests that memories fade over time due to a lack of use, rather than due to interference.

There are two main types of interference: proactive interference and retroactive interference. Proactive interference occurs when older memories inhibit the ability to remember new information. For example, if you have learned French in the past and are now trying to learn Spanish, your knowledge of French may interfere with your ability to remember Spanish vocabulary. Retroactive interference happens when new information interferes with the ability to remember older information. Using the same example, learning Spanish might make it more difficult to recall the French vocabulary you learned previously.

Interference theory has been supported by various experimental studies. One classic example is the AB-AC paradigm, where participants learn a list of word pairs (AB), and then a second list where the first word is the same but the second word is different (AC). When asked to recall the original pairs, performance is often worse than if the second list had not been learned, demonstrating retroactive interference.

The theory has significant implications for understanding how memory works and for designing educational and training programs that minimize interference. For example, spacing learning sessions apart and varying the material covered in each session can help reduce interference and improve memory retention.

Interference theory also has applications in understanding and treating memory-related disorders. For instance, strategies that reduce interference might be beneficial for individuals with memory impairment or dementia.