Chapter 8 : Forgetting Flashcards
Define forgetting.
Forgetting is the inability to access or recover information previously stored in memory.
State the findings of Ebbinghaus’s forgetting curve.
The rate of forgetting is rapid soon after original learning. More the half of the memory loss occurs within the first hour after learning. Virtually all the material is lost within the first eight hours. In addition, material that is not quickly forgotten will be retained for a longer period of time.
True or False.
The more meaningful the material, the slower the rate of forgetting.
True.
True or False.
Slow learners tend to forget at a faster rate than fast learners.
False.
Name the four theories of forgetting.
- The retrieval failure theory
- The interference theory
- Motivated forgetting
- Decay theory
Define retrieval cue, and provide an example.
A retrieval cue is any stimulus that assists in the process of locating and recovering information stored in memory.
What is the retrieval failure theory?
The retrieval failure theory, also called cue dependent forgetting, proposes that we sometimes forget because of we fail to use the appropriate or right cues to retrieve information stored in LTM. This suggests that information in LTM is available, but temporarily inaccessible because of inappropriate or faulty cues.
What are the limitations of the retrieval failure theory?
- Does not account for ineffective encoding during memory formation.
- Does not explain why memories interfere with one another.
- Does not account for disruptions of memory due to brain trauma or neurodegenerative diseases.
What is the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon?
The TOT phenomenon is a state that occurs when we are aware of knowing something, confident that we will eventually remember it, but is unable to retrieve it at that time.
What does the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon suggest about LTM?
That information is stored in LTM in an organised way and in a variety of forms. Information stored in LTM is not accessible until the right retrieval cue is used.
What is the interference theory?
The interference theory proposes that forgetting in LTM occurs because other memories are interfere with the retrieval of what we are trying to recover, particularly if the other memories are similar.
When is interference more likely to occur?
When the information is similar, and if the learning of the information occurs closely in time.
Name the two main kinds of interference.
Retroactive and proactive interference.
Distinguish between retroactive and proactive interference.
Retroactive interference occurs when new information interferes with the ability to remember old information, whereas proactive interference occurs when old information interferes with the ability to remember new information.
What is motivated forgetting?
Motivated forgetting proposes that forgetting occurs because of a strong motive or desire to forget, usually because the experience is too disturbing or upsetting to remember.
