Professor lvanovich has many vivid memories of her students from last semester and can recall most of their names. Because of ____________ she is having problems remembering her new students' names this semester. a. retroactive interference c. decay b. proactive interference d. suppression

Short Answer

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b. proactive interference

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the concept of retroactive interference

Retroactive interference occurs when newly learned information interferes with the ability to recall previously learned information. In this context, it would mean that if Professor Ivanovich learned new information after last semester, that new information would be interfering with her ability to remember her previous students' names.
02

Understanding the concept of decay

Decay is a natural process by which memories degrade or weaken over time, especially if they are not rehearsed or revisited. In this situation, decay would imply that Professor Ivanovich's memories of her students' names are weakening over time, regardless of any new information she learns.
03

Understanding the concept of proactive interference

Proactive interference occurs when previously learned information interferes with the ability to learn and recall new information. In this context, it would mean that Professor Ivanovich's memories of her previous students' names are making it difficult for her to learn and remember her new students' names.
04

Understanding the concept of suppression

Suppression is a conscious or subconscious effort to block out or avoid recalling certain memories, usually due to their negative associations or emotional impact. In this case, suppression would mean that Professor Ivanovich is deliberately or unintentionally avoiding remembering her new students' names.
05

Determining the most appropriate concept

Based on the definitions and effects of each concept on memory, the most likely reason for Professor Ivanovich's difficulty in remembering her new students' names this semester is proactive interference. This is because her vivid memories of her previous students' names are interfering with her ability to learn and recall the names of her new students this semester. Answer: b. proactive interference

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