Unit 3: Strengths And Limitations Of Theories Of Forgetting Flashcards
What is the decay theory?
The decay theory is the theory that memory traces (biological changes) will weaken and disappear if not revisited (LTM). This also applies to sensory memory - decay occurs rapidly and STM is maintenance rehearsal does not occur.
What is forgetting?
Forgetting is the inability to retrieve information; may refer to short-term or long-term memory
What is the forgetting curve?
A forgetting curve is a graph showing loss of memory over time
What is interference?
Interference is difficulties in retrieving information from memory, caused by other material learned either previously (pro-active interference) or subsequently (retro-active interference)
What is the interference theory?
The interference theory is a theory of forgetting where one memory is interfered with by another memory.
What is motivated forgetting?
Motivated forgetting (suppression and repression) occurs when a person has a reason to forget
What is proactive interference?
Proactive interference is when previously learnt material inhibits our ability to encode and store new material
What is repression?
Regression is a psychological process which automatically and unconsciously prevents emotionally distressing memories form coming into our conscious awareness
What is the retrieval failure theory?
The retrieval failure theory states that we will be unable to retrieve material due to an absence of the right cues or a failure to use them
What is retroactive interference?
Retroactive interference is when newly acquired material inhibits our ability to retrieve previously learned material
What is suppression?
Suppression (motivated forgetting) is the conscious refusal to allow memories to occur
What is the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon?
The tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon is the feeling that something we know is just not available to be recalled from memory. This is an indication that some forgetting is due to retrieval failure
