Researchers have also studied interference that affects storage and, even more, retrieval.
There are two type of interference that impacts retrieval: proactive interference and retroactive interference.
Proactive interference occurs when previously learned information disrupts our ability to retrieve later learned information.
Suppose you studied French in the Fall term and then switched to Spanish in the Spring term.
Now on a test of Spanish Vocabulary you start recalling French words.
This would be an example of proactive interference.
The earlier learned French words have come out and interfered with your retrieval of the later learned Spanish words.
Retroactive interference occurs when later learned information disrupts the retrieval of earlier learned material.
Let us go back to our language example.
You learn French in the Fall and get an A in the class.
Then you study Spanish.
Now after term is over you meet a person who only speaks French but all you can do is remember your Spanish.
This is an example of retroactive interference.
The later learned Spanish is keeping you from being able to retrieve your earlier learned French,
even if you were very good at it.