When a subject is being tested on two lists of words in a row, when tested on the second list, they often erroneously recall items from the first list. What is this an example of?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When considering memory errors across tasks that involve lists of items presented in succession, different interference phenomena can explain why earlier or later information disrupts recall. 
Option 1: Proactive interference. This is the scenario where older information interferes with the ability to learn or recall new information. Here, recall of items from the first list intrudes on retrieval of items from the second list, which aligns with proactive interference.
Option 2: Retroactive interference. This occurs when new information makes it harder to recall previously learned material. In this question, the disruption is caused by earlier material interfering with later recall, not the reverse, so retroactive interference is not the best fit.
Option 3: Release from proactive interference. This refers to the improvement in recall when contexts change or when a new item set provides a distinct cue that reduces the prior interference. The question describes ongoing persistent intrusion from the first list, not a release from interference, so this option is incorrect.
Option 4: Retrieval-induced forgetting. This phenomenon describes how retrieving some items can impair subsequent recall of related items, typically within the same category or list, due to competitive retrieval dynamics. The scenario emphasizes intrusion from the first list during the second recall rather than selective forgetting caused by retrieval practice, so this option does not match.
In summary, the described effect—recalling items from the first list while attempting to recall the second—most closely matches proactive interference, where older information disrupts the learning or recall of newer information.

When a subject is being tested on two lists of words in a row, when tested on the second list, they often erroneously recall items from the first list. What is this an example of?Single choice

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