In a paired-associate learning task, an individual studies a list of stimulus items paired with certain response items (List 1: A-B; e.g., tall-bone) and then studies the same list of stimulus items but are paired with different response items (List 2: A-Br; e.g., tall-crowd). If the individual is unable to remember the response item for List 2 (crowd) because he or she can only remember the response item from List 1 (bone), this an example of a(n) ___ interference.

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The scenario describes a classic interference effect in which prior learning (List 1: A-B, bone) hinders the acquisition or recall of new paired associations (List 2: A-?, crowd).

Option 1: anterograde. Anterograde interference refers to difficulty forming new memories after a previous memory has been formed, typically affecting subsequent learning. In this case, the problem is not about trouble forming the new List 2 associations per se, but about interference from the old List 1 learning on the new material. So this option does not capture the mechanism described.

Option 2: retrograde. Retrograde interference involves disruption of previously stored memories because of new information learned afterward. Here, the opposite direction applies: old information (bone from List 1) is impeding the recall of new information (crowd from List 2). Therefore, this is not retrograde interference.

Option 3: proactive. Proactive interference occurs when earlier learning (the first list, A-B) disrupts the acquisition or retrieval of new information (the second list, A-Br). The example explicitly shows the old response (bone) interfering with remembering the new response (crowd), which aligns with proactive interference.

In summary, the described pattern matches proactive interference because prior associations from List 1 hinder the encoding or recall of the new List 2 associations, whereas the other forms of interference would involve different directional effects or memory processes that do not fit this scenario.

SP25: PSYC-135 Sec 80 - Cognition Exam 2_Chapters 6_7_8

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Which term best describes the phenomenon where memory performance dramatically improves when the tested category is switched on every fourth trial?

Which term best describes the phenomenon where memory performance dramatically improves when the tested category is switched on every fourth trial?

When a subject is being tested on two lists of words in a row, when tested on the second list, they often erroneously recall items from the first list. What is this an example of?

When a subject is being tested on two lists of words in a row, when tested on the second list, they often erroneously recall items from the first list. What is this an example of?

Wichens et al's experiment showing "a release from proactive interference" is due to

When someone enters their old password instead of their new password into the computer, this is an example of:

More Practical Tools for International Students

Homework AI Solver

Stylized Writing Assistant

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation Assistant

In-Class Translation Assistant

Class Notes Assistant

Quiz Search Assistant

Past Exam Questions by School

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler