Vincent had dated Brianna for two years before she left him to live in Thailand. A week after they split up, Vincent took Elena out on a date. It was their only date because Vincent kept calling Elena Brianna all evening. Vincent's memory problem was most likely due to:
A. anterograde amnesia
B. suggestibility
C. retroactive interference
D. proactive interference
Answer (2)
Vincent's memory problem is most likely due to proactive interference, which occurs when old memories interfere with new ones. His strong memories of his ex-girlfriend Brianna affected his ability to recall Elena's name during their date. Therefore, the correct choice is D. proactive interference.
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Vincent's memory problem in the scenario provided is most likely due to proactive interference (choice d).
Let's break down each option to understand why proactive interference is the most likely cause:
Anterograde Amnesia (option a): Anterograde amnesia is a condition where a person is unable to form new memories after the onset of the condition. This doesn't apply to Vincent as he is able to form new memories and go on dates, but is confusing names.
Suggestibility (option b): Suggestibility involves the tendency to incorporate misleading information from external sources into personal recollections, which does not fit the situation Vincent is experiencing.
Retroactive Interference (option c): This occurs when new information interferes with the ability to remember old information. However, in Vincent's case, it seems like his past memory (Brianna's name) is interfering with his ability to use a new memory (Elena's name).
Proactive Interference (option d): This is when old information hinders the recall of newly learned information. Vincent's repeated use of Brianna's name instead of Elena's suggests that his prior memory of Brianna is interfering with his recall of Elena's name.
In conclusion, Vincent's difficulty in recalling Elena's name is best explained by proactive interference, where his lasting memory of Brianna is making it difficult for him to remember and use the new memory of Elena's name during their date.
