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A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions

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Published on: July 16, 2015

Proactive control of proactive interference using the method of loci.

Willa S Bass¹, Karl M Oswald¹

¹Department of Psychology, California State University, Fresno, USA.

Advances in Cognitive Psychology

|August 27, 2014

Summary

Young adults effectively used the method of loci, a proactive strategy, to reduce memory interference when recalling word lists. This technique, focusing on imagery and location, significantly improved recall compared to spontaneous methods.

Keywords:

method of loci mnemonics proactive interference

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Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Human Memory Studies

Background:

Proactive interference impairs recall as exposure to similar information increases.
Effective memory strategies are crucial for overcoming cognitive limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the efficacy of the method of loci as a proactive strategy to mitigate proactive interference.
To assess if young adults can utilize this spatial memory technique to improve recall of categorically similar word lists.

Main Methods:

Participants received 25 minutes of instruction on the method of loci.
A list recall paradigm using categorically similar words was employed.
Performance was compared between those using the method of loci and those using spontaneous strategies.

Main Results:

Young adults successfully applied the method of loci after brief instruction.
The method of loci significantly reduced proactive interference compared to spontaneous strategies.
Recall performance was enhanced by using imagery and sequence/location.

Conclusions:

Top-down proactive strategies, like the method of loci, are effective in reducing proactive interference.
The mnemonic components of imagery and spatial sequencing are key to this strategy's success.
This has implications for memory training and educational interventions.