Which of the following terms is correctly matched with its description?
Select one:
a. ?Decay—The loss of information in memory through its nonuse
b. ?Proactive interference—Lack of insufficient retrieval cues to rekindle information in memory
c. ?Cue-dependent forgetting—Failure to recall information learned earlier because of later exposure to different material
d. ?Retroactive interference—Information learned earlier disrupting the recall of newer material
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: d. Retroactive interference—Information learned earlier disrupting the recall of newer material.
Explanation:
Retroactive interference refers to the phenomenon where newer information interferes with the ability to recall older information. For example, if you learned a new phone number, it may become harder to remember your old phone number due to retroactive interference. This is because the new information “displaces” the older information in memory.
Let’s break down the other options:
- a. Decay—The loss of information in memory through its nonuse:
This is a misunderstanding of decay. While decay does refer to the gradual fading of memory over time, it is not just the “loss of information through nonuse.” Decay theory posits that memories may fade if they are not rehearsed or retrieved over time, but it’s not the entire explanation of forgetting. - b. Proactive interference—Lack of insufficient retrieval cues to rekindle information in memory:
This is incorrect because proactive interference actually involves older information interfering with the recall of newer information, not a lack of retrieval cues. A good example of proactive interference is when you have difficulty remembering your new email password because you keep thinking of your old one. - c. Cue-dependent forgetting—Failure to recall information learned earlier because of later exposure to different material:
This option confuses cue-dependent forgetting with retroactive interference. Cue-dependent forgetting refers to the inability to recall information because the proper cues or triggers are absent. In other words, you may have learned something, but without the right prompt (e.g., a specific reminder), you cannot retrieve it. This is different from retroactive interference, which is about new information blocking the recall of old material.
Summary:
Retroactive interference occurs when new information interferes with the recall of previously learned information. Understanding these concepts helps clarify why we sometimes struggle to remember old information after acquiring new knowledge.