Chapter 10 Definitions

Question 1

decay theory

Answer 1

the theory that memory traces (biological changes) will weaken and disappear if not revisited (LTM). This also applies to sensory memory - decay occurs rapidly and STM if maintenance rehearsal does not occur.

Question 2

forgetting

Answer 2

the inability to retrieve information; may refer to short-term or long-term memory

Question 3

forgetting curve

Answer 3

a graph showing loss of memory over time

Question 4

interference

Answer 4

assumed conclusions from the information provided in the data used to investigate a psychological (hypothetical) construct

Question 5

interference theory

Answer 5

a theory of forgetting where one memory is interfered with by another memory

Question 6

motivated forgetting

Answer 6

(suppression and repression) occurs when a person has a reason to forget

Question 7

proactive interference

Answer 7

when previously learnt material inhibits our ability to encode and store new material

Question 8

repression

Answer 8

a psychological process which automatically and unconsciously prevents emotionally distressing memories from coming into our conscious awareness

Question 9

retrieval failure theory

Answer 9

inability to retrieve material due to an absence to assist of the right cues or a failure to use them

Question 10

retroactive interference

Answer 10

when newly acquired material inhibits our ability to retrieve previously learned material

Question 11

suppression

Answer 11

(motivated forgetting) conscious refusal to allow memories to occur

Question 12

tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon

Answer 12

the feeling that something we know is just not available to be recalled from memory. An indication that some forgetting is due to retrieval failure