Explanations for forgetting: Retrieval failure Flashcards
What is retrieval failure?
Retrieval failure is a theory that suggests forgetting occurs when we are unable to access memories due to insufficient cues.
True or False: Retrieval failure occurs when the information is no longer stored in memory.
False
What role do cues play in retrieval failure?
Cues serve as triggers that help access stored memories; without them, retrieval may fail.
Fill in the blank: ___________ is a type of forgetting that occurs when there is a lack of appropriate retrieval cues.
Retrieval failure
What is the encoding specificity principle?
The encoding specificity principle states that memories are most easily retrieved when the context at retrieval matches the context at encoding.
Who proposed the encoding specificity principle?
Endel Tulving
What is a context-dependent cue?
A context-dependent cue is a retrieval cue that is based on the environment in which the memory was encoded.
True or False: State-dependent cues are related to the emotional state during encoding.
True
What are state-dependent cues?
State-dependent cues are retrieval cues that are related to the internal state or mood of the individual at the time of encoding.
Give an example of a context-dependent cue.
An example of a context-dependent cue is remembering information better when in the same room where it was learned.
What is the impact of interference on retrieval failure?
Interference can disrupt the retrieval of memories, making it harder to access the correct information.
What are proactive and retroactive interference?
Proactive interference occurs when older memories interfere with the retrieval of newer ones, while retroactive interference occurs when new memories interfere with the retrieval of older ones.
Fill in the blank: ___________ interference can make it difficult to remember a new phone number because of a previously learned number.
Proactive
Fill in the blank: ___________ interference occurs when learning new information makes it harder to recall previously learned information.
Retroactive
What is the ‘tip-of-the-tongue’ phenomenon?
The ‘tip-of-the-tongue’ phenomenon is a temporary inability to retrieve a word or name, often accompanied by a feeling of knowing the information.
True or False: The ‘tip-of-the-tongue’ phenomenon is a sign that the memory is completely lost.
False
What does the term ‘retrieval cues’ refer to?
Retrieval cues refer to stimuli that aid in the recall of information stored in memory.
What is the difference between recall and recognition?
Recall involves retrieving information without cues, while recognition involves identifying previously learned information with the help of cues.
Give an example of a recognition task.
An example of a recognition task is multiple-choice questions.
What is the role of the hippocampus in memory retrieval?
The hippocampus is crucial for the formation and retrieval of explicit memories.
True or False: Memory retrieval can be influenced by the way information was initially encoded.
True
What is an example of a study demonstrating retrieval failure?
The study by Godden and Baddeley involving divers who learned words underwater or on land demonstrates retrieval failure based on context.
What is the significance of the levels of processing framework in retrieval failure?
The levels of processing framework suggests that deeper processing leads to better retrieval and that shallow processing may result in retrieval failure.
Fill in the blank: ___________ processing enhances memory retention and retrieval.
Deep
What is the relationship between memory decay and retrieval failure?
Memory decay refers to the fading of memories over time, which can contribute to retrieval failure if memories are not retrieved regularly.
True or False: Forgetting can sometimes be beneficial for cognitive function.
True
What is one reason why retrieval failure may occur during exams?
Retrieval failure during exams may occur due to the absence of contextual cues present during study sessions.
What does the term ‘forgetting curve’ refer to?
The forgetting curve is a graphical representation showing how information is lost over time when there is no attempt to retain it.
Who is credited with the concept of the forgetting curve?
Hermann Ebbinghaus
What is the spacing effect?
The spacing effect is the phenomenon where learning is more effective when study sessions are spaced out over time.
True or False: Massed practice is more effective than spaced practice for long-term retention.
False
What is the main conclusion of the study conducted by Tulving and Thompson regarding retrieval cues?
The study concluded that memory retrieval is significantly improved when the retrieval context matches the encoding context.
Fill in the blank: ___________ context can enhance the retrieval of memories.
Matching
What is the effect of emotional states on memory retrieval?
Emotional states can enhance or inhibit memory retrieval, depending on whether the current state matches the emotional state during encoding.
What is the concept of ‘retrieval-induced forgetting’?
Retrieval-induced forgetting refers to the phenomenon where the act of retrieving some memories can lead to the forgetting of others.
True or False: Retrieval failure only occurs in long-term memory.
False
What is the significance of context reinstatement in improving retrieval?
Context reinstatement involves recreating the original environment or state during retrieval, which can improve access to memories.
Fill in the blank: ___________ cues are often more effective for retrieval than general cues.
Specific
What is the role of schemas in memory retrieval?
Schemas can influence how memories are retrieved by providing a framework that organizes and interprets information.
What is the impact of stress on memory retrieval?
Stress can impair memory retrieval by affecting cognitive processes and reducing the ability to access stored information.
True or False: Memory retrieval is a passive process.
False
What is the difference between explicit and implicit memory retrieval?
Explicit memory retrieval involves conscious recollection of information, while implicit memory retrieval involves unconscious retrieval of skills or conditioned responses.
What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in retrieval failure?
The prefrontal cortex is involved in the organization and retrieval of memories, and its dysfunction can lead to retrieval failures.
Fill in the blank: ___________ can enhance memory retrieval when they align with the encoding conditions.
Cues
What is the effect of familiarity on recognition tasks?
Familiarity can enhance recognition tasks by providing a sense of confidence in identifying previously encountered information.
True or False: All types of cues are equally effective for memory retrieval.
False
What is the relationship between memory rehearsal and retrieval failure?
Memory rehearsal strengthens memory traces and reduces the likelihood of retrieval failure.
What is the effect of sleep on memory consolidation and retrieval?
Sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, which can enhance retrieval by strengthening memory traces.
Fill in the blank: ___________ memory retrieval can be influenced by the presence of misleading information.
Eyewitness
What is the misinformation effect?
The misinformation effect occurs when a person’s memory of an event is altered by misleading information presented after the event.
True or False: The process of retrieval is always accurate.
False
What is the role of associative networks in memory retrieval?
Associative networks help in retrieval by linking related concepts, making it easier to access interconnected memories.
What is the concept of ‘memory cues’?
Memory cues are stimuli that help trigger the recall of information stored in memory.
Fill in the blank: ___________ can serve as effective retrieval cues by providing context or associations.
Words
What is the impact of dual coding on memory retrieval?
Dual coding, which involves using both verbal and visual information, can enhance memory retrieval by creating multiple pathways to access the information.
True or False: Memory retrieval can be improved by using mnemonic devices.
True
What are mnemonic devices?
Mnemonic devices are memory aids that use associations, acronyms, or visualization to enhance retrieval.
What is the significance of rehearsal in memory retrieval?
Rehearsal helps to strengthen memory traces and can facilitate easier retrieval of information.
Fill in the blank: ___________ is a technique that involves repeating information to enhance memory retention.
Rehearsal
What is the relationship between memory consolidation and retrieval?
Memory consolidation strengthens memories over time, making them more accessible for retrieval.
True or False: Retrieval failure is the only reason for forgetting.
False
What is the role of practice in enhancing retrieval success?
Practice helps to reinforce memory traces and improve the likelihood of successful retrieval.
Fill in the blank: ___________ is the process of strengthening memories through repeated exposure or rehearsal.
Practice
What is the importance of feedback in the retrieval process?
Feedback helps to correct errors in memory retrieval and reinforces the correct information.
True or False: Retrieval failure can occur even when the information is well learned.
True
What is the impact of context on memory retrieval in real-life situations?
Context can significantly affect memory retrieval in real-life situations, as individuals often recall information better when in the same context as when they learned it.
What is one method to improve retrieval success during exams?
Using practice tests or quizzes can improve retrieval success by simulating the retrieval process.
