FORGETTING & MEMORY CONSTRUCTION

Types of Amnesia ANTEROgrade Amnesia – Can’t form NEW Memories RETROgrade Amnesia – Can’t recall OLD memories

Memory Consolidation is like Jello: Physical process of a memory going from short-term memory to long-term memory If disrupted, the LTM does NOT form This happens in Retrograde Amnesia Sleep can aid in memory consolidation. Memory Consolidation is like Jello: At first it is fluid and easily changed or lost Given time, it will harden and be laid down by the brain (long-term potentiation)

Why do we forget? Forgetting can occur at any memory stage Retrieval from long-term memory Depending on interference, retrieval cues, moods, and motives, some things get retrieved, some don’t Long-term storage Some items are altered or lost Short-term memory A few items are both noticed and encoded Sensory memory The senses momentarily register amazing detail Forgetting can occur at any memory stage Hockenbury slides (Schulman) key words: forgetting

Forgetting Theories Encoding failure Interference theories Motivated forgetting Decay Hockenbury slides (Schulman) key words: forgetting; encoding; decay theories; interference theories; retrieval cues

Forgetting as encoding failure Info never encoded into LTM Encoding X Long-term memory Encoding failure leads to forgetting Short-term Hockenbury slides (Schulman) key words: forgetting; encoding

Encoding Failures People fail to encode information because: It is unimportant to them It is not necessary to know the information A decrease in the brain’s ability to encode Not paying attention to information

Demonstrating Encoding Failure What is the color of the top stripe of the American flag? Most wooden pencils are not round. How many sides do they typically have? In what hand does the Statue of Liberty hold her torch? 6

Which is the real penny? Hockenbury slides (Schulman) key words: forgetting; encoding

Answer Hockenbury slides (Schulman) key words: forgetting; encoding

Encoding Failures Even though you’ve seen thousands of pennies, you’ve probably never looked at one closely to encode specific features key words: forgetting; encoding

Forgetting as Storage Failure

Decay Theories Memories fade away or decay gradually if unused Time plays critical role Ability to retrieve info declines with time after original encoding Average percentage of information retained 20 mins 1 hr 8 hrs 24 2 days 6 31 Interval between original learning of nonsense syllables and memory test 100% Hockenbury slides (Schulman) key words: forgetting; retrieval; decay theories

Decay Theory Biology-based theory When new memory formed, it creates a memory trace a change in brain structure or chemistry If unused, normal brain metabolic processes erode memory trace Ability of people to retrieve memories from long ago with retrieval cues would show this is not always true. key words: forgetting; retrieval; decay theories; memory trace

Hermann Ebbinghaus The Forgetting Curve Studied forgetting using nonsense syllables Nonsense syllables are three letter combinations that look like words but are meaningless (ROH, KUF) Forgetting is at first rapid and then levels off over time.

Combatting The Forgetting Curve OVERLEARNING/Spacing Effect More times he practiced a list of nonsense syllables on day 1, the fewer repetitions he required to relearn it on day 2. Said simply, the more time we spend learning new information, the more we retain. Mastery Learning helps ensure information will be available even under stress

Forgetting as retrieval failure Retrieval—process of accessing stored information Sometimes info IS encoded into LTM, but we can’t retrieve it Retrieval failure leads to forgetting Retrieval X Encoding Short-term memory Long-term Hockenbury slides (Schulman) key words: forgetting; retrieval; long-term memory

Tip of the tongue phenomenon TOT—involves the sensation of knowing that specific information is stored in long-term memory but being unable to retrieve it (Dumb & Dumber example) Can’t retrieve info that you absolutely know is stored in your LTM key words: forgetting; retrieval; long-term memory; tip of the tongue phenomenon

Forgetting as Retrieval Failure: Interference

Interference Theories “Memories interfering with memories” This is ALWAYS BAD for recall Forgetting NOT caused by mere passage of time Caused by one memory competing with or replacing another memory Two types of interference key words: forgetting; retrieval; interference theories

Two Types of Interference Retroactive Interference Proactive Hockenbury slides (Schulman) key words: forgetting; retrieval; interference theories;retroactive interference; proactive interference

Retroactive Interference When a NEW memory interferes with remembering OLD information I want to remember OLD info but the NEW stuff I learned is getting in the way Example: When new phone number interferes with ability to remember old phone number key words: forgetting; retrieval; interference theories; retroactive interference

Retroactive Interference Example: Learning a new language interferes with ability to remember old language Study French papier livre plume école Study Spanish papel libro pluma escuela French 101 Mid-term exam F- Hockenbury slides (Schulman) key words: forgetting; retrieval; interference theories; retroactive interference Notes: This is similar to an upcoming slide for proactive interference. The foreign language example can be used to demonstrate both retroactive and proactive interference, depending upon how you present it. Thus, examples of both are included. However, I generally only present only one of the two examples to avoid confusion for the students. For instance, I'll use the foreign language example for retroactive interference and the parking lot example for proactive interference. retroactive interference

Proactive Interference Opposite of retroactive interference When an OLD memory interferes with remembering NEW information I want to remember NEW info but OLD stuff I know keeps getting in the way! Example: Memories of where you parked your car on campus the past week interferes with ability find car in its new spot today ? Hockenbury slides (Schulman) key words: forgetting; retrieval; interference theories; proactive interference

Proactive Interference Example: Previously learned language interferes with ability to remember newly learned language F- key words: forgetting; retrieval; interference theories; proactive interference Notes: This is similar to the slide for retroactive interference. The foreign language example can be used to demonstrate both retroactive and proactive interference, depending upon how you present it. Thus, examples of both are included. However, I generally only present only one of the two examples to avoid confusion for the students. For instance, I'll use the foreign language example for retroactive interference and the parking lot example for proactive interference.

Review of Interference Theory Retroactive Interference (Backward Acting) First Learn A, Then Learn B Recall A, B interferes Proactive Interference (Forward Acting) First Learn A, Then Learn B Recall B, A interferes Retro & Pro refer to what you want to remember. Interference reflects competition between responses.

How to Combat Interference Study an hour before sleep and then minimize your exposure to new info. Studying as you fall asleep though is NOT helpful.

Motivated Forgetting Undesired memory is held back from awareness Suppression—conscious forced forgetting Remember the number 107? Repression—unconscious forgetting (Freudian) Not a lot of evidence to support these as actually being possible.

Repression Part of Freud’s psychoanalysis Process of moving anxiety-producing memories to the unconscious Supposed means of protecting oneself from painful memories Not well-supported by research; stressful incidents are actually more likely to be encoded