In this study, we investigated how memory for pictures, concrete words and abstracts words is affected by a second learning task, given between the primary learning task and recall. Three secondary tasks were employed (pictures, concrete words and abstract words), in a 3 X 3 design (N=90). It was predicted that (1) most interference would be caused by a second learning task using the same type of material as in the original task and (2) mean recall would be increased as the second task was made more dissimilar to the first. Parallel predictions to the above were made for the recall of the secondary task items, as a function of interference by the first. These predictions were supported in 10 of 112 instances, but, in two cases, a word-suppression effect was noted, whereby initial picture stimuli suppressed the learning of subsequent word stimuli.