What does "interpolated activity" involve in relation to short-term memory?

Interpolated activity in relation to short-term memory refers to the performance of a secondary task that disrupts the rehearsal of information. When an individual is trying to remember something within their short-term memory, any additional task performed can interrupt the cognitive processes involved in maintaining that information. This interruption can reduce the effectiveness of rehearsal, which is essential for keeping items in short-term memory and transferring them to long-term memory.

For instance, if someone is trying to memorize a list of words and is then asked to complete a math problem, the cognitive load from the math task can impede their ability to rehearse and recall the words. Research in cognitive psychology demonstrates that such interpolated tasks can significantly affect memory retention, highlighting the importance of rehearsal and the fragility of short-term memory when disrupted by competing tasks.