Retroactive inhibition and the simultaneous acquisition retention phenomenon

Abstract

The primary purpose of the experiment was to determine if simultaneous learning of A-B in the A-B,A-D paradigm reduced retroactive interferfence. Simultaneous learning was given on A-B, on A-D, or on neither list. Parallel conditions were used for the A-B, C-D paradigm. Simultaneous learning consisted of learning the paired associate list along with two free recall lists. The results showed that the magnitude of retroactive interference was not influenced by the simultaneous learning of either A-B or A-D. How simultaneous learning enhances long-term retention remains a puzzle.