What is the term for when earlier learned information interferes with the later learned material?

The term that describes when earlier learned information interferes with new material is proactive interference. This phenomenon occurs when past memories inhibit the ability to learn or recall newer information. For example, if you've learned to play one instrument, the skills and knowledge from that experience may interfere with your ability to learn a different instrument.

In contrast, retroactive interference refers to when new information makes it harder to recall previously learned information. Short-term interference and long-term interference are not formally recognized terms in this context within psychology. Understanding proactive interference provides valuable insight into how our memory processes can be affected by the information we have already absorbed, impacting how we learn new concepts.