Final answer:
Walter is experiencing proactive interference, where old information prevents the recall of new information, as demonstrated by him remembering the former office number instead of the new one.
Step-by-step explanation:
Walter’s situation of remembering the old office number instead of the new one is an example of proactive interference. This is a phenomenon where old information hinders the recall of newly learned information. In Walter’s case, his memory of the old office number (202) is so well established that it interferes with his ability to remember and recall the new office number on subsequent visits, even two years after the change occurred. Proactive interference is often encountered in daily life, such as when someone gets a new phone number or address but inadvertently tells others the old one.