What Is the Interference Consolidation Failure?

Interference consolidation failure is a phrase used in psychology to explain a theory of forgetfulness. The theory explains that some type of interference occurs after a memory is experienced and causes the loss of retention of the memory.

Theory Summary

• The interference consolidation failure theory indicates that an activity experienced during the consolidation period after creating a memory interferes with the memory retention. The premise is that memories strengthen over a period making them less prone to forgetting. The period during which the memory strengthens is the consolidation period.

Memory Interference

• Interference in this theory means another noteworthy activity that forms another strong memory. Interference during this consolidation period causes failure to retain the memory. The closer to the time of the actual creation of the memory, the more effect the interference has on the retention.

Memory Retention

• Other factors that affect memory retention are over-learning or data overload; encoding failure, or the failure to store enough information to create a complete memory; motivated memory loss, when the memory is too painful or stressful, and amnesia.