Hermann Ebbinghaus, having previously memorized thousands of lists of nonsense syllables, forgot newly learned lists faster than most other people do. Why?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Proactive interference occurs when previously learned information interferes with the ability to learn new information. In Ebbinghaus's case, his extensive memorization of nonsense syllables likely led to proactive interference, making it more difficult for him to retain newly learned lists.

Hermann Ebbinghaus, Having Previously Memorized Thousands of Lists of Nonsense