MCAT Behavioral Sciences Question 201: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 201

5. A student cramming for finals memorizes the steps in solving a physics problem early in the afternoon and then studies for his other subjects for several hours before his physics exam. When he arrives at the exam he can no longer remember how to solve the physics equation. This is an example of:

  • A. retroactive interference.
  • B. proactive interference.
  • C. retrieval cues.
  • D. long term potentiation.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Retroactive interference occurs when new information interferes with the storage of information learned beforehand (choice A is correct). Proactive interference occurs when information that is learned first interferes with the ability to recall later information; the opposite is described in this question (choice B is wrong). Retrieval cues are used to retrieve stored memories; there is no mention of retrieval cues in this question (choice C is wrong). Long term potentiation is part of long term memory storage; while a failure to remember information is partially a result of a failure to convert information via long-term potentiation, it does not explain the interference of information learned after memorizing the step to a physics problem (choice D is wrong).

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