Marcia dated Davio for several years. They recently broke up and Marcia went out on a date with a man named Oliver. While on the date, Marcia mistakenly called him Davio. This is an example of

• A. disuse.
• B. proactive interference.
• C. retroactive interference.
• D. consolidation.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of proactive interference: It occurs when older memories interfere with the retrieval of newer memories.
2. Identify the key elements in the scenario: Marcia has a long-term memory of Davio due to their several years of dating.
3. Recognize the new situation: Marcia is on a date with Oliver, which is a new experience and memory.
4. Analyze the mistake: Marcia calls Oliver by the name Davio, indicating that her older memory (Davio) is interfering with her ability to recall the new name (Oliver).
5. Conclude that this is an example of proactive interference, where the old memory of Davio is affecting the recall of the new memory of Oliver.