Unit 2 Topic 2.7 - Forgetting Flashcards
(12 cards)
The Forgetting Curve
Demonstrated by HERMANN EBBINGHAUS, was the first to show that there is generally a sudden drop in retention shortly after learning, followed by a more gradual decline thereafter, time plays a role in forgetting
Ex: a student may quickly forget material learned for an exam within a few days if it is not revisited a
Encoding Failure
Encoding Failure occurs when information is not processes into LONG TERM memory, making it difficult to recall later
Ex: If someone fails to pay attention in class, they may not know what they’re learning later
Interference
When one memory competes or blocks access to another
PROactive Interference
OLD information interfere with the recall of NEW information
Ex: difficulty with learning a password because the old password comes to mind
RETROactive Interference
NEW information interferes with the recall of OLD information
Ex: studying French in college may interfere with what is remembered from Spanish in high school
Tip of the Tongue Phenomenon
Retrieval failures occur when a person cannot access stored information temporarily, even though they know it.
Ex: someone may struggle to recall a familiar actor’s name. It is often recalled later on
Repression
Repression is an unconscious defense mechanism where distressing memories are kept out of conscious awareness to protect ego from anxiety
Ex: a person who experienced a traumatic event may have no conscious recollection of the event but may experience related emotional symptoms
The Misinformation Effect
When exposure to incorrect or misleading information after an event causes a person’s memory of the original event to change
Source Amnesia
Is the inability to remember where, when or, how previously learned information was acquired, while retaining the factual knowledge itself
Ex: remembering a historical event but may be unable to recall where they learned it from
Constructive Memory
Occurs when memories are influenced by imagination, prior knowledge or suggestions, leading to false or distorted recollections
Memory Consolidation
The process by which memories are stabilized after encoding, during which errors can occur.
Ex: if you recall a childhood trip to the beach and later hear family members talk about big sandcastles you “built”, you might start remember building it even if you actually just watched others do it.
Imagination Inflation
When vividly imagining an event can lead to a false memory of the event actually happening
Ex: a person may falsely remember visiting a place as a child after hearing vivid stories about it form their family
