Effects of a Contextual Change upon Retroactive Inhibition

It was predicted that retroactive inhibition could be produced using meaningful passages of prose. In addition, it was hypothesized that if the interpolated session took place in a context which was markedly different from the room used during original learning, the amount of retroactive inhibition would be less. Also, if there was a contextual change between the original learning and the recall session, retention would be less. A passage describing Jim as an extravert was first presented, followed by one describing him as an introvert. A classroom and cafeteria served as contrasting contexts. The hypotheses were confirmed.