What is the term for the phenomenon where older learning interferes with the ability to retrieve recently learned material?

The phenomenon where older learning interferes with the ability to retrieve recently learned material is known as proactive interference. This occurs when previously acquired information hinders the recall of new information. For example, if a person has learned a new phone number but struggles to remember it because they keep recalling their old number, that struggle is indicative of proactive interference affecting memory retrieval.

In contrast, retroactive interference refers to when new information affects the retention of previously learned material, which is the opposite of what is being described. Motivational interference relates to how personal motivation can influence memory and learning but does not specifically pertain to the retrieval issues caused by older learning. Memory consolidation is the process of stabilizing newly acquired information into long-term memory and does not directly address issues of retrieval interference.