Interference theory is theory regarding human memory. Interference occurs in learning when there is an interaction between the new material and transfer effects of past learned behavior, memories or thoughts that have a negative influence in comprehending the new material. Bringing to memory old knowledge has the effect of impairing both the speed of learning and memory performance. There are three main kinds of interference:
- proactive interference
- retroactive interference
- latent interference
The main assumption of interference theory is that the stored memory is intact but unable to be retrieved due to competition created by newly acquired information.
Read more about Interference Theory: History, Proactive Interference, Retroactive Interference, Output Interference
Famous quotes containing the words interference and/or theory:
“Adolescent girls were fighting a mother’s interference because they wanted her to acknowledge their independence. Whatever resentment they had was not towards a mother’s excessive concern, or even excessive control, but towards her inability to see, and appreciate, their maturing identity.”
—Terri Apter (20th century)
“Don’t confuse hypothesis and theory. The former is a possible explanation; the latter, the correct one. The establishment of theory is the very purpose of science.”
—Martin H. Fischer (1879–1962)