Final answer:
Interference with memory, including proactive and retroactive interference, affects the ability to recall information, and can be mitigated by various memory enhancement strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
What interferes with measurement, specifically in the context of memory, is explained by the concepts of proactive interference and retroactive interference. Proactive interference occurs when old information hinders the recall of newly learned information, as when you mistakenly tell someone an old phone number instead of your new one. Retroactive interference occurs when newly learned information hinders the recall of older information, such as having difficulty remembering Ebbinghaus's work on memory after learning about Erikson's theory of psychosocial development.
To combat these problems and enhance memory, strategies such as mnemonic devices, rehearsal, self-referencing, and adequate sleep can be utilized. For example, placing sentences in a context with prompts makes them more memorable and easily recalled, showcasing how meaningful encoding aids memory retention. It's also important to study during quiet times without distractions to reduce the likelihood of interference.
Comparing and contrasting the two types of interference, proactive interference affects the new learning process by old memories, while retroactive interference impacts the retention of old memory due to new learning. Both types of interference illustrate the malleable and error-prone nature of human memory.