INFLUENCE OF INTERFERENCE ON DELAYED MATCHING IN MONKEYS

Reports 3 experiments which demonstrate the effects of retroactive and proactive interfering stimuli on performance of 8 adult rhesus monkeys in a delayed matching test. Negative and neutral interfering stimuli occurring during the delay interval (retroactive) impaired matching performance, whereas positive interference of a light the same color as the preparatory light to be remembered slightly facilitated performance. Although time of interpolation was not crucial with retroactive interference, negative proactive interfering stimuli, which impaired performance were most effective in close temporal proximity to the preparatory stimulus. The results suggest that the apparent decay in memory that occurs over time in a delayed matching test may be due to the intrusion of interfering stimuli. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.