Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M5008

Proactive Interference

Proactive Interference
Learn & MetacognitionHigh supportMemory Psychology
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Updated 2026-08-03

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INTRODUCTION

English translation pending.

CORE DEFINITION

Proactive interference, documented in memory research including work by John McGeoch and Benton Underwood, occurs when previously learned material interferes with the encoding or retrieval of new material. A familiar example is writing an old phone number on a form shortly after changing it. The core claim is that the difficulty in learning a new skill often comes from the strength of the old habit rather than from the complexity of the new material, so unlearning must come first. Key qualifications are that interference is strongest when old and new material are similar, and that changing context cues reduces it.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Expect the drag: attribute difficulty to the old habit rather than to a lack of ability. - Unlearn first: deliberately identify and suppress the old routine before drilling the new one. - Change the cues: alter location, tools, or context so new and old information are distinguished.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Previously consolidated memories form strong pathways that are activated automatically when a similar situation appears, and they compete with the new pathway for retrieval. Because the old trace is stronger, it wins unless the new one is deliberately practiced, which is why a golfer reverts to an old swing under pressure. Changing the cues that accompany the new skill separates the two traces, and spaced retrieval practice strengthens the new pathway until it can compete.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interference_theoryZH · Explicit
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