Chp 8.3: Forgetting

Question 1

What are some reasons we forget? (3)

Answer 1

• encoding failure
• Decay theory (debated)
• Interference theory

Question 2

Why is decay theory still debated? (2)

Answer 2

• Reminiscence: sometimes more is remembered as time passes

- Generally, passage of time is confounded with learning new things/ form new memories

Question 3

decay theory

Answer 3

the theory that with time and disuse the physical memory trace in the nervous system fades away (still debated)

Question 4

Interference theory

Answer 4

Information forgotten because other items in long-term memory impair one’s ability to retrieve it

Question 5

What are the two major types of interference?

Answer 5

• Proactive

- Retroactive

Question 6

proactive interference

Answer 6

occurs when material learned in the past interferes with recall of newer material

(eg. old phone no. interferes with remembering new no.)

Question 7

retroactive interference

Answer 7

newly acquired information interferes with the ability to recall information learned at an earlier time
(eg. New phone no. interferes with recalling old no.)

Question 8

Tip-of-the-Tongue (TOT) (2)

Answer 8

• Cannot retrieve a memory but have the feeling that retrieval is imminent
• Thought as interference: the concept one tries to recall is often phonologically similar to the incorrect concept that comes to mind

Question 9

Repression (2)

Answer 9

• the basic defence mechanism that actively keeps anxiety-arousing material in the unconscious
• Difficult to verify

Question 10

retrograde amnesia

Answer 10

memory loss for events that occurred prior to the onset of amnesia

Question 11

anterograde amnesia

Answer 11

memory loss for events that occur after the initial onset of amnesia

Question 12

Dementia (2)

Answer 12

• Refers to impaired memory and other cognitive deficits that accompany brain degeneration
• Interfere with normal functioning

Question 13

Alzheimer’s Disease (3)

Answer 13

• Specific form of dementia
• Severe retrograde and anterograde amnesia
• Spreads across temporal lobes and to frontal lobes and other cortical regions

Question 14

infantile amnesia

Answer 14

an inability to remember personal experiences from the first few years of our lives

Question 15

prospective memory

Answer 15

• remembering to perform an activity in the future

- Requires additional executive functions (planning)

Question 16

Retrospective memory

Answer 16

Memory for past events