Arnold so easily remembers his old girlfriend's telephone number that he finds it difficult to recall his new girlfriend's number.Arnold's difficulty best illustrates which concept?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Proactive interference occurs when previously learned information interferes with the ability to remember new information. In this scenario, Arnold's memory of his old girlfriend's number is interfering with his ability to remember his new girlfriend's number. Retroactive interference would occur if Arnold's memory of his new girlfriend's number interfered with his ability to remember his old girlfriend's number. The next-in-line effect occurs when people only remember the information before or after what they were asked to remember, which is not applicable in this scenario. Repression involves unconsciously blocking out painful or anxiety-inducing memories, which is not applicable in this scenario.

Arnold So Easily Remembers His Old Girlfriend's Telephone Number That