The GATE Grind

GATE 2023 XH5 (Psychology) – Question 29

Perception, Learning, Memory and Forgetting · Memory and Forgetting: Encoding, storage, retrieval, information processing theories, reconstructive memory, encoding failure, interference and trace decay · 1 mark · Multiple choice

When learning something new impairs the ability to retrieve information learnt earlier, it is known as __________________________.

  1. retroactive interference
  2. proactive interference
  3. tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon
  4. recency effect

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) retroactive interference

Explanation

New learning that disrupts old memories is retroactive interference. In proactive interference the old learning disrupts the new.