The study of memory naturally connects to the study of forgetting. It is difficult to understand how you remember if you do not also understand how you forget. Chapter 12 in your textbook addresses several variables in forgetting. These variables include the degree of learning, the context of learning, prior learning, and subsequent learning. Prior learning and subsequent learning can cause people to have difficulty with recall or simply to forget. Psychologists use the term interference when these variables trigger forgetting. When prior learning interferes with recall, it is called proactive interference. When subsequent learning interferes with recall, it is known as retroactive interference.
To prepare for this assignment:
- Review Chapter 12 in the course text, Learning and Behavior. Pay particular attention to the sections on defining forgetting, prior learning, and subsequent learning.
- Think about one example of forgetting due to proactive interference.
- Consider one example of forgetting due to retroactive interference.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post by Day 3 one example of forgetting due to proactive interference. Explain how forgetting occurred in terms of proactive interference. Then post one example of forgetting due to retroactive interference. Explain how forgetting occurred in terms of retroactive interference. Explain any insights you had or conclusions you can draw based on your understanding of proactive and retroactive interference
300 words
