what it means in mechanism of forgetting pro and retroactive forgettting

Answer 1

Proactive forgetting and retroactive forgetting are two different types of forgetting that occur due to interference in memory.

Proactive forgetting, also known as proactive interference, refers to when previously learned information interferes with the encoding or retrieval of new information. In other words, prior knowledge or memories hinder the ability to remember new information. For example, if you are learning to play the piano and have already learned a different instrument, the prior knowledge and muscle memory from the previous instrument might interfere with your ability to learn the new instrument.

Retroactive forgetting, also known as retroactive interference, refers to when newly learned information interferes with the retention or retrieval of previously learned information. In this case, new memories or information disrupt the retrieval and recall of older memories. For example, if you studied for a history test and then immediately started studying for a science test, the new science information might interfere with your ability to recall the history information during the test.

Overall, both proactive and retroactive forgetting occur due to interference between memories, either from prior knowledge obstructing the learning of new information or new information obstructing the recall of older information.