When does retroactive interference occur?

Retroactive interference occurs specifically when new learning hinders the recall of previously learned information. This phenomenon can be observed when newly acquired information interferes with the ability to remember older memories. For instance, if a person has learned one set of information and later learns a similar but different set, the new information can disrupt the retrieval of the old information, making it more difficult to recall.

The other options relate to different aspects of memory but do not accurately describe retroactive interference. The second option focuses on proactive interference, which involves old information obstructing the recall of new information. The third option touches on the importance of cues in memory retrieval and indicates situations where memory may falter without them, while the last option mentions the beneficial effects of contextual cues on memory retrieval, pointing to the concept of context-dependent memory rather than interference. Thus, option A is the most appropriate choice in defining retroactive interference.