Which type of interference occurs when newly learned information disrupts memory of previously learned information?

• A. Retroactive interference
• B. Proactive interference
• C. Decay
• D. Interference

Answer: (A)

Retroactive interference occurs when newly learned information disrupts memory of previously learned information. When you pick up new material, its memory trace can compete with and overwrite or block access to the older information during retrieval, making it harder to recall what you learned earlier. This explains why you might forget an old password after learning a new one, or mix up previous details after studying something fresh.

Proactive interference, in contrast, is when older information makes it harder to learn or recall new information. Decay describes forgetting due to the fading of memories over time rather than interference between memories. Simply calling it interference is too vague; the specific situation described is retroactive interference.