1. FORGETTING

2. Forgetting is the inability to recall or retrieve previously learned information

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. Retrieval failure theories
Decay theories
Interference theories

8. 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

9. 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

10. Two types of interference
Retroactive
Interference
Proactive

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

12. 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.