Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What does the Interference Theory propose?

1. Learning is a passive process

2. Inhibition of learned information by other learning experiences

3. Memory retention improves with interference

4. Reinforcement enhances learning

The correct answer is: Inhibition of learned information by other learning experiences

The Interference Theory proposes that the learning of new information can interfere with the retention of previously learned information. This theory is grounded in the idea that similar or competing information can disrupt memory retrieval, leading to forgetting. There are two primary types of interference outlined in the theory: proactive interference, where older memories impede the recall of newer ones, and retroactive interference, where new learning hinders the retrieval of previously established memories. The focus on inhibition of learned information by other learning experiences highlights how our cognitive processes are not solely sequential but rather interconnected and often compete for cognitive resources, thereby affecting overall memory performance. Understanding this concept is essential for appreciating the complexities of how we learn and remember information in various contexts.