International Journal of School and Cognitive Psychology
Open Access

Interference Theory of Forgetting and its Impact on Memory

Gunhild Janbek^{* *}Correspondence: Gunhild Janbek, Department of Psychology, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark, Email:

Author info »

Description

Forgetting is a natural and inevitable part of the human memory process. While there are, various theories that attempt to explain why we forget, the interference theory is one of the most widely discussed and researched. According to this theory, forgetting occurs because different memories interfere with one another, making it difficult for the brain to retrieve information. This article examines the interference theory of forgetting, its types and its impact on memory.

Interference theory

This interference prevents the brain from accessing the stored memories. Interference can occur either because new information disrupts the recall of previously learned material or because old information makes it harder to learn new things. The interference theory stands in contrast to other theories of forgetting, such as decay theory, which suggests that memory fades simply due to the passage of time. Instead, the interference model focuses on the conflict between overlapping memories and their subsequent effects on recall.

Types of interference

There are two primary types of interference in memory: Proactive interference and retroactive interference. Both forms of interference are important in understanding how memory works and why we may forget things that seem otherwise familiar.

Proactive interference: This type occurs when older memories interfere with the learning and recall of newer information. For example, if you have been using the same password for years and then switch to a new one, the old password might interfere with your ability to recall the new one. In other words, previous learning inhibits the acquisition of new information.

Retroactive interference: Retroactive interference happens when newly learned information disrupts the recall of older information. For instance, learning a new phone number can make it more difficult to remember your previous one. The new memory essentially 'overwrites' or obstructs the older memory, making it harder to retrieve.

Impact of interference on memory

The impact of interference on memory is significant and can affect both short-term and long-term recall. Interference can cause confusion, make it harder to retrieve specific details and reduce the clarity of memories. For instance, when we learn similar pieces of information in quick succession, such as two similar lists of words, interference can cause us to remember both lists incompletely or inaccurately.

In academic and everyday contexts, interference is a common challenge. Students, for instance, may struggle to recall information for exams because of interference between the newly learned material and previously studied content. Similarly, when individuals try to learn a new language, they may experience interference from their first language, causing confusion and difficulty in recalling new vocabulary.

Moreover, the aging process can exacerbate the effects of interference. Older adults tend to experience more interference-related forgetting compared to younger individuals. This is believed to be due to age-related changes in cognitive functions like attention, working memory, and processing speed, which make it more difficult for older adults to filter out irrelevant information or manage competing memories effectively.

Reducing the effects of interference

While interference can significantly impact memory, there are strategies to reduce its effects. One common approach is spacing-distributing learning over time. Spaced repetition helps reinforce long-term retention and reduces the likelihood of interference. Additionally, organizing information in meaningful ways, such as creating associations or using mnemonic devices, can help minimize interference by enhancing memory retrieval cues. Another strategy is combining, which involves allowing information to 'settle' in memory over time. By taking breaks and revisiting material, individuals give their brains time to process and stabilize memories, reducing the chances of interference.

Conclusion

The interference theory of forgetting offers valuable insight into why we sometimes struggle to recall information. Both proactive and retroactive interference can disrupt memory recall, with consequences for everyday life, academic performance and aging. Understanding the role of interference in memory provides a foundation for improving memory retention strategies, such as spaced repetition and effective organization of information. While interference is an inherent aspect of memory, with the right techniques, we can mitigate its effects and improve our ability to retain and recall information over time.