retroactive interference

[yui_96]

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In the learning and memory chapter of the psychology section, retroactive interference is "when new information causes forgetting of old information". The textbook gives an example that "one way of preventing retroactive interference is to reduce the number of interfering events, which is why it is often best to study in the evening about an hour before falling asleep". I don't see how the interfering events are reduced in this situation.

 

[SpoiledMilk]

There are no interfering events since there is no ability to consciously learn anything new when you are asleep.

 

[yui_96]

There are no interfering events since there is no ability to consciously learn anything new when you are asleep.

Wouldn't studying be counted as learning something new? Also it says one hour before falling asleep, not when you are asleep. I'm a little confused.

 

[SpoiledMilk]

Yes, studying new material can be seen as an interfering event and can cause you to lose what you have already previously learned. That's why when you are studying, it is best to space out your studying in ever increasing time increments in order to better increase the chances of retaining and retrieving the info when needed.

The suggestion to study one hour before sleeping is so that the material you have just studied before bedtime will not be lost as easily due to the inability to consciously learn anything new (an interfering event) while you are sleeping.