Abstract: Proactive interference (PI) is one of crucial factors which affects the limited capacity of working memory. The theory of attention process proposes that the information located at the “focus of attention” of working memory will not be affected by PI. The theory of bias-competence proposes that the PI will be reduced in working memory by assigning a high weight to probe. Most of studies support the bias-competence theory by exploring the PI effect during the encoding and retrieving process, the content-related and context-related PI effect, and the brain mechanism of PI resolution, respectively. Future studies are needed to assess the relationship between PI and the sub-composition of working memory, the sub-function of working memory using fMRI and ERPs technology.

Key words: working memory, proactive interference, attention process theory, bias-competition theory, brain mechanisms