interferenssiteoria

Interferenssiteoria, also known as interference theory, is a concept in cognitive psychology that explains how forgetting occurs in long-term memory. According to this theory, the inability to recall certain information is due to the interference of other memories, which compete with the target memory and make retrieval difficult. There are two main types of interference: proactive and retroactive.

Proactive interference happens when older memories hinder the ability to remember newer information. For example, if someone has learned a series of phone numbers, the earlier numbers may interfere with recalling the most recent one. Retroactive interference occurs when new information disrupts the retrieval of previously learned material, such as learning a new password and forgetting the old one.

Interferenssiteoria is often contrasted with decay theory, which proposes that memories fade over time simply due to the passage of time rather than interference. The interference theory emphasizes the dynamic interactions between various memories and how they can interfere with each other within the memory system.

Research supporting interferenssiteoria includes experiments demonstrating how similar or related information can impair memory recall, especially when the memories are stored close together or share common features. Factors such as similarity of items, timing, and context influence the degree of interference.

Overall, interferenssiteoria provides a framework for understanding complex processes involved in forgetting, highlighting that memory failure can be a result of competing memories rather than just deterioration over time. It remains a fundamental concept within cognitive psychology and memory research.