Final answer:
Learning and memory involve interactions where new information can interfere with old (proactive interference) or vice versa (retroactive interference), part of the broader concept of synaptic plasticity in the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of learning and memory involves complex interactions between new and old information, often leading to phenomena such as proactive interference and retroactive interference. Proactive interference occurs when previously learned information interferes with the recall of new information, such as when you mistakenly provide an old address after moving. On the other hand, retroactive interference happens when newly learned information hinders the recall of older information, like struggling to remember a previously studied theory after learning a new one. In the field of neuroscience, these processes are part of what is termed synaptic plasticity, a form of the brain's ability to adapt by forming new connections or strengthening existing ones in response to new information. The change in perceptions brought about by new information, whether it is in day-to-day experiences, scientific understanding, or deeply held beliefs, can be a significant cognitive undertaking that impacts memory and knowledge.