Retroactive inhibition is the "decreased ability to recall previously learned information, caused by the learning of new information," according to R. E. Slavin, author of Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice. When new material is similar to the older, the tendency to forget previous knowledge increases. One way to reduce retroactive inhibition is to refrain from teaching closely related concepts in a short period of time. Another method used to lessen retroactive inhibition is to alter the teaching process or strategy. In order to ensure information is retained, instructors should be certain students are familiar and comfortable with one concept before another is introduced.
1. The University of Utah offers a variety of small outlines concerning memory. Those in the educational psychology department place their lectures online, which is beneficial to those who are looking for project ideas.
2. This website offers information about the varying myths concerning memory, as well as valid theories. Both proactive and retroactive inhibition are discussed as types of interference. A quiz at the end of the site allows the reader to apply the theories to experimental results and identify which theory is being used.
3. A quiz on memory and learning is displayed at this site. Students can prepare for examinations using this quiz, or teachers can gather ideas for multiple choice tests.
4. The study of memory is applied to eye-witness testimony on this particular link. Topics such as: retroactive inhibition, situational learning, and retrieval impairment are incorporated into the study to relate the characteristics of memory to interviewing witnesses.
5. Stephen R. Schmidt is an instructor at Middle Tennessee State University. His website focuses on the numerous theories of forgetting, including the Interference Theory.
6. Visit this site for a quiz on Chapter 6 of Slavin's Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice. This quiz, created by April Henson, is to test one's knowledge of learning and memory.
Created by: Becky Yurky for Educational Psychology (PSY306).
Last Updated: October 11, 2000