Proactive inhibition as a function of the time interval between the learning of the two Tasks and of the number of prior lists

A temporal ratio model of memory.

“…Items that have been closely preceded by two other items will be much less temporally distinctive than will items preceded by a large temporal gap, and so memory is better for these latter items. This general behavior of the model—time-based release from PI—is consistent with a considerable amount of evidence that PI is reduced by temporal separation both in AB-AD paradigms (Keppel, 1964; Underwood & Ekstrand, 1967; Underwood & Freund, 1968) and over shorter time periods (Alin, 1968; Kincaid & Wickens, 1970; Peterson & Gentile, 1965). Note that SIMPLE offers essentially the same explanation of time-based release from PI as was given for the ratio-rule-like phenomena and for the Turvey et al (1970) data.…”

Time versus items in judgment of recency

“…4). Studies of proactive interference in paired-associate recall suggest that the same principle also operates over intervals of days (Alin, 1968;Underwood & Freund, 1968). That is, the crucial temporal variable appears to be not the length of the retention interval per se, but the ratio of the retention interval to the interlist interval.…”

Retroactive and proactive interference in prose learning of biographical and science materials.

“…The greater the number of interpolated lists, the greater the RI (e.g., Underwood, 1945;Walls & Kalbaugh, 1972). The greater the number of prior lists, the greater the PI (Alin, 1968;Underwood, 1945). With multiple interpolated lists, the number of interfering responses may be as important a factor for RI as list dominance or degree of learning (Goggin, 1969).…”

“…With multiple interpolated lists, the number of interfering responses may be as important a factor for RI as list dominance or degree of learning (Goggin, 1969). The RI is likely to be greater than PI on immediate recall tests with relatively short delay (e.g., Alin, 1968;Koppenaal, 1963;Underwood, 1945Underwood, , 1948. Intrusions from other lists increase in recall as competing responses increase in strength and number and also with a longer interval 1 Appreciation is expressed to Thelma Klinestiver and Janet Cox Kalbaugh for their assistance.…”