The critical role of retrieval processes in release from proactive interference

Proactive interference (PI) refers to the finding that memory for recently studied (target) information can be vastly impaired by the previous study of other (nontarget) information. PI can be reduced in a number of ways, for instance, by directed forgetting of the prior nontarget information, the testing of the prior nontarget information, or an internal context change before study of the target information. Here we report the results of four experiments, in which we demonstrate that all three forms of release from PI are accompanied by a decrease in participants’ response latencies. Because response latency is a sensitive index of the size of participants’ mental search set, the results suggest that release from PI can reflect more focused memory search, with the previously studied nontarget items being largely eliminated from the search process. Our results thus provide direct evidence for a critical role of retrieval processes in PI release.

► Three techniques to induce release from proactive interference were examined.
► As techniques we employed directed forgetting, context change, and testing.
► The techniques increased recall rates and reduced recall latencies of target items.
► The release created focused memory search of the target items.
► Retrieval processes play a critical role in release from proactive interference.