What is the term for when prior learning inhibits the recall of later learning?

Proactive interference is the term used to describe a situation where prior learning disrupts the ability to recall information learned later. This phenomenon occurs because older memories can interfere with the encoding and retrieval of new memories. For instance, if a person has learned to play one version of a video game, this previous experience may hinder their ability to learn or remember the controls of a new version of the game. Proactive interference highlights how the cognitive processes of memory are complex, where earlier information can act as a barrier to accessing more recent information. Understanding this concept is crucial in cognitive psychology as it helps to explain how our memory functions and why certain retrieval difficulties arise.