Final answer:
Proactive interference is when previously learned information prevents the recall of new information, obstructing one's ability to remember recent information due to older memories interfering.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of interference that obstructs an individual's ability to retrieve new information because old information is getting in the way is known as proactive interference. Proactive interference occurs when the old information hinders the recall of newly learned information. For example, when someone learns a new phone number or moves to a new address but continues to recall and tell others their old number or address, this is a classic symptom of proactive interference. This type of interference is distinct from retroactive interference, where newly learned information hinders the recall of old information.
Understanding these types of interference is crucial for studying memory and cognition, as it helps to explain why sometimes information that is stored in our long-term memory becomes difficult to retrieve. It also highlights the complexities of how memory works, including the interaction between new and old memories and how they can affect each other.