Chapter 2 - Retrieval-Induced Forgetting Flashcards
What is Remembering?
Storage ➔ WHAT are we able to retain
Capacity ➔ how MUCH can we retain
Retention ➔ How LONG can we retain
Why is forgetting also known as an invisible phenomenon?
We need to be aware something is missing to know we are forgetting something
Forgetting is thought to happen
when ________________________
memory is not working properly
What are some positive aspects of forgetting?
- just as important as remembering for our memories to work effectively
- Our memories would be poorer if we didn’t forget
“Forgetfulness is an integral part of memory – linked to our ability to remember”
What does this claim mean?
If we don’t forget, we would find it impossible to remember
What is the recommended approach for prioritizing information in terms of understanding and memory?
Understanding information that is relevant, as opposed to memorizing current details, is considered more beneficial for effective learning
What is required to keep our memories functioning optimally?
Forgetting
What is retrieval inhibition, and how does it contribute to memory?
A type of forgetting that actively helps us remember specific information by reducing the interference of irrelevant memories, making the target material more easily accessible in our memory.
Why does human memory operate within a social context?
the goals we need to achieve are always changing
What is Destructive Updating?
suggest we update memory by overwriting older information that is out of date with new ones
Why is important that irrelevant memories for a current task can be removed from conscious inspection but NOT permanently lost?
It can be temporarily forgotten for as long as it takes to complete the current task but subsequently become available for some future task should they be required
When does retrieval-induced forgetting occur?
While recalling information, our brain naturally forgets related details because it actively inhibits or suppresses competing memories to make it easier to recall what we want to remember.
What was the most interesting conclusion from the experiment done by Anderson et al., 1994?
Practiced items (Rp+) are better remembered than items with no retrieval practice (Nrp), while related but unpracticed items (Rp-) are remembered less effectively than those with no retrieval practice (Nrp).
What does inhibitory process refer to?
Items that are inhibited = items remain unavailable to conscious inspection (inaccessible)
