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. proactive interference
B. anterograde amnesia
C. retroactive interference
D. suggestibility
Answer (2)
Vincent's memory issues are most likely due to proactive interference, where old memories (of Brianna) inhibit the recall of new information (about Elena). This blockage happens because the strong emotional ties to his past relationship interfere with his ability to connect with someone new. Therefore, the correct option is A. proactive interference.
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Vincent's memory problem is most likely due to a) proactive interference .
Proactive interference occurs when old memories interfere with the retrieval of new memories. In this case, Vincent's past relationship with Brianna seems to be interfering with the memory of his new date with Elena. This interference caused him to mistakenly call Elena by Brianna's name.
Let's break this down:
Old Memory (Brianna): Vincent had been in a relationship with Brianna for two years. During this time, he would have formed numerous memories associated with her.
New Interaction (Elena): Shortly after his relationship with Brianna ended, Vincent went on a date with Elena. This new interaction required him to create a new set of memories associated with a new person.
Interference: Due to proactive interference, Vincent's old memories of Brianna were still strong and fresh. These memories interfered with the encoding or retrieval of new memories with Elena, causing Vincent to call Elena by the wrong name all evening.
In summary, proactive interference occurs when old information disrupts the recall of new information, and that's what seems to have happened with Vincent.
