Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc) Practice Exam

Retroactive interference refers to a phenomenon in memory retrieval where newly acquired information disrupts the ability to recall previously learned material. When new memories are formed, they can interfere with the retrieval of older memories by creating a sort of mental blockage. This is especially noticeable when the new and old information is similar, as the overlapping details can confuse the memory retrieval process.

The correct answer highlights this specific interaction between new and old information, illustrating how our memory system is not a perfect storage device but is rather subject to various forms of interference. Understanding retroactive interference is important in contexts such as studying, where learning new material may impact the recall of earlier learned information, hence affecting overall academic performance.

In contrast to the other answer choices, retroactive interference is specifically about the hindrance of memory retrieval rather than enhancing it, which would be the opposite effect. Additionally, it does not pertain to the processes of memory construction or sourcing, which focus on how memories are formed or their origins rather than the dynamics of retrieval.