Give a short example of retroactive interference.

A helpful way to remember the term 'retroactive interference' is to think about how we use the term 'retro' when we think about flashing back to a past time. When we have the problem of retroactive interference, we have trouble remembering what we knew in the past.

Let's give you a vivid image to help you recall this term in the future. We'll imagine that back in the 1970s you were a young twentysomething and were considered by many to be the disco king or queen of your hometown. You could boogie like no other. You knew all the moves and stole the attention of everyone at the club when you entered the dance floor.

Since then you've learned how to break dance, mosh, and do the latest line dances. In 2015, you even became the country line-dancing champion of Baltimore, Maryland.

Then your friend invites you to a retro 70s party. You can't wait to bring out your old moves and impress everyone at the party. You don your sequins vest and get ready for your moment under the disco ball.