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retroactive inhibition

psychology
Also known as: retroactive interference

Quick Summary

Retroactive inhibition is a psychological phenomenon where new learning interferes with the retention of old memories. This means that immediately following an activity, the results of prior learning can be obscured.12

In studies, participants learn a task (Task A) and are then asked to recall it after a period. If, during that interval, they engage in a similar activity (Task B), their ability to recall Task A is significantly impaired compared to those who engaged in an unrelated activity. This interference, particularly when Task B is similar to Task A, is thought to be a major cause of forgetting.31

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