Question

Explain proactive and retroactive interference and how you might counteract their effects while studying in order to facilitate maximum absorption of information into long-term memory.

Answer 1

Both tend to occur when the same stimulus is supposed to lead to two different responses. First, S1 --> R1, then later S1 --> R2.

Consider the Qwerty (standard) typewriter. Say you learned to be able to type without looking at the keyboard. If you had to learn to type on a keyboard arranged alphabetically, first you would get negative transfer, then later proactive and retroactive inhibition.

The clutch response when changing from a standard shift to an automatic shift will also show the same effect.

It can be reduced by using different stimuli for the different responses.

I hope this helps a little more.