How is retroactive interference defined in memory?

Retroactive interference is defined as the process in which new information interferes with the retrieval of older information. This phenomenon occurs when someone learns new material, making it more challenging to recall previously learned information because the new data may create confusion or overwrite details of the older memories. For example, if a person studies for a psychology exam and then later studies a different subject, the new information from the second study session may disrupt their ability to remember the concepts from the first session. This dynamic illustrates how the introduction of new experiences can disrupt our ability to access older memories.

In contrast, the other definitions address different aspects of memory interference but do not capture the essence of retroactive interference itself. The focus here is solely on the relationship between new and older information, which is why the correct answer emphasizes that new information can hinder the recall of previously established memories.