Forgetting: Interference Theory

Forgetting is the inability to recall or recognise information that has previously been stored in memory. There are several explanations for why we forget. One of the most important is interference theory, which explains forgetting from long-term memory.

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What is Interference?

Interference theory proposes that forgetting occurs because memories disrupt or interfere with each other. This is most likely to happen when two (or more) memories are similar to each other. The more similar the memories, the more likely interference is to occur.

Think of it this way: if you have had many similar experiences, it becomes difficult to distinguish between them. For example, if you park your car in a similar car park every day, you may struggle to remember where you parked today because your memory for today's location is interfered with by memories of previous parking locations.

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Types of Interference

There are two types of interference:

1. Proactive Interference (PI)

Proactive interference occurs when old (previously learned) information interferes with the ability to recall new information.