proactive inhibition
Quick Summary
Proactive inhibition is a psychological phenomenon where previously learned information interferes with the ability to learn new information. This occurs when learning a new task (task B) is hindered by knowledge acquired from a prior task (task A). The similarity between task A and task B influences the degree of proactive inhibition; greater similarity leads to poorer recall of task A. While it results in less forgetting than retroactive inhibition, proactive inhibition supports the theory that interference can cause forgetting. This concept is distinct from general inhibition, which is the curtailment of a process or behavior, often serving social functions.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
learning theoryForgetting…(and later) associations is called proactive inhibition (and retroactive inhibition). These two forms of inhibition commonly are accepted as major processes in forgetting, proactive inhibition being assigned greater importance.
Read More…(and later) associations is called proactive inhibition (and retroactive inhibition). These two forms of inhibition commonly are accepted as major processes in forgetting, proactive inhibition being assigned greater importance.
Read More- memoryInterference
…can be either retroactive or proactive. In retroactive inhibition, new learning interferes with the retention of old memories; in proactive inhibition, old memories interfere with the retention of new learning. Both phenomena have great implications for all kinds of human learning.
Read More…can be either retroactive or proactive. In retroactive inhibition, new learning interferes with the retention of old memories; in proactive inhibition, old memories interfere with the retention of new learning. Both phenomena have great implications for all kinds of human learning.
Read More