Chapter 8: Memory Part 2 Flashcards
forgetting
the inability to recall information that was previously encoded into memory
decay theory
theory of forgetting suggesting that memories fade over time due to neglect or failure to access over long period of time
what disproves aspects of decay theory?
relearning shows faster speeds
describe the forgetting curve
rapid memory loss followed by stable retention of remaining info
interference theory
theory that forgetting is influenced by what happens to people before or after they take information in
proactive interference
competing information that is learned before the forgotten material, preventing its subsequent recall: OLD INFO INTERFERES WITH NEW
retroactive interference
learning of new information that disrupts access to previously recalled information: NEW INFO INTERFERES WITH OLD
interference occurs only when…
old and new information conflict with one another
motivated forgetting could be the cause of avoiding….
retrieval cues, rehearsing, elaborating, organizing, and ultimately storing the information in memory
repression
the most basic defence mechanism; the process of keeping unpleasant memories or thoughts buried deep within the unconscious mind
what are three common reasons why we distort or manufacture memories?
source misattributions, exposures to misinformation, effect of imagination
source misattributions
remembering information, but not the source it came from; can lead to remembering information from unreliable sources as true
exposures to misinformation
new information that is not accurate or misleading , can distort our recall or leads us to manufacture new memories
effect of imagination
our own imagination can lead us to recall events that never took place
generally, what is most involved in memory?
networks of neurons-however, certain brain areas are particularly important in the formation and retrieval of memories