Rebecca has been presented with the names of 30 different colors to commit to memory. Item number 31, however, is a type of food. When asked to recall all 31 items, she is relatively accurate for the first 10 colors, but then performs terribly on colors 11-30. The type of food she is presented with on trial 31, however, is recalled perfectly. This enhanced recall for item 31, in relation to her performance on items 11-30, is known as:
A) retroactive interference
B) proactive interference
C) a flashbulb memory
D) release from proactive interference

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This scenario is an example of release from proactive interference, which occurs when a change in material to be learned improves recall. In this case, the type of food presented as item 31 serves as a cue that releases Rebecca from the interference caused by similar colors presented in items 11-30, allowing her to recall item 31 perfectly.

Rebecca Has Been Presented with the Names of 30 Different