Complex Memory and Forgetting Flashcards
Memory Errors
Intrusions or breaks in memory. As more information is added and nodes developed, episodes become more closely linked and we are less able to detect boundaries between events, therefore make memory errors.
Intrusion Errors
Other knowledge intrudes into the remembered event (eg DRM Procedure).
Schematic Knowledge
We have an understanding of what should occur in a given situation (eg restaurant or exam). We may not remember every part of every event, but schemata help us fill in the gaps.
Support: Office study by Brewer and Treyens, Indian Ghost Story by Bartlett
Limitations: we can add in information that didn’t occur and over regularise events.
Retention Interval
Amount of time elapsed between the initial event and subsequent retrieval. The longer the gap, the less likely retrieval will be accurate.
Decay Theory
Over time, memories fade or erode, either due to the relevant cells dying or the connections weakening.
Support: neurological evidence.
Limitations: decay is not inevitable and some things can be partially remembered. The number of intervening events is more predictive of memory error.
Interference Theory
There is a correlation between time and forgetting. Time creates opportunities for new learning to disrupt old memories.
Support: Rugby players remembering past opponents study by Baddeley and Hitch.
Limitations: ignores deliberate forgetting and the influence of implicit memory.
Retrieval Failure Theory
A memory is retained in long term storage, but it cannot be retrieved. Retrieval failure can be complete or partial.
Support: tip of the tongue phenomenon, retrieval cues can aid recall
Limitations: doesn’t explain how implicit memory can influence behaviour even if they aren’t remembered.
Autobiographical Memory
Memory of events and episodes that occurred in our own lives. They are organised by time and place.
Self-Reference Effect
Tendency to have better memory for information and events relevant to self.
Traumatic Memory
Memories that are enhanced and extra vivid, likely to be a result of high arousal during the traumatic event.
Reminiscence Bump
Individuals have the best memory for events that occurred during their late teens to late 20’s. Thought to be due to the large number of milestones achieved during this time (first car, first partner, first house, first child etc).
Flashbulb Memory
A memory of extraordinary clarity, typically for some highly emotional event, that is retained over time.
