FORGETTING

Forgetting is the inability to recall or retrieve previously learned information

When 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

Forgetting because of encoding failure Information may never be encoded into LTM X Short-term memory Long-term memory Encoding Encoding failure leads to forgetting

Examples of encoding failure What letters accompany the number 5 on your mobile phone? Where is the key “y” in a computer keyboard?

Forgetting as retrieval failure Not all forgetting is due to encoding failures Sometimes information is encoded into LTM, but we can’t retrieve it Retrieval failure leads to forgetting Retrieval Encoding Short-term memory Long-term X

Retrieval failure theories Decay theories Interference theories

Forgetting Because of Decay Memories fade away or decay gradually if unused Time plays critical role Ability to retrieve information declines with time after original encoding

Interference theories “Memories interfering with memories” Forgetting NOT caused by mere passage of time Caused by one memory competing with or replacing another memory There are two types of interferences

Two types of interference Retroactive Interference Proactive

Retroactive interference When a NEW memory interferes with remembering OLD information Example: When new phone number interferes with ability to remember old phone number

Proactive interference When an OLD memory interferes with remembering NEW information This is the opposite of retroactive interference Example: Memories of where you have seen a friend last week interfere your ability to remember where you saw him today.