9. Forgetting

• Forgetting


  The loss or inability to recall information that was previously stored in the memory. It is a natural and common occurrence where a person becomes unable to retrieve or remember something that was learned or experienced.
• Forgetting


  • Can happen due to various factors, including the passage of time, interference from other information, lack of rehearsal or practice, and the impact of stress or distractions
  • There are different types of forgetting, such as decay (gradual fading of memories over time) and interference (when new or existing information disrupts the retrieval of stored memories)
• Trace Decay Theory of Forgetting


  A trace is some form of physical and/or chemical change in the nervous system that represents some aspect of a past experience. The decay theory suggests that memories fade or weaken over time if they are not used or rehearsed.
• Displacement From STM


  Due to its restricted capacity, short-term memory (STM) can only retain a small amount of information. When STM reaches its limit, new information displaces or "pushes out" old information, taking its spot. The displaced old information is then forgotten in short-term memory.
• Free-recall method


  • Participants listen to a list of words being read at a consistent rate, then are prompted to recall as many of the words as they can. Effective recall of items at the start of a list is termed the primacy effect, and strong recall of items at the end of the list is referred to as the recency effect.

  
• Interference Theory


  Interference occurs when new or existing information disrupts the retrieval of stored memories. Proactive interference happens when the learning of a new task is hindered by an old task that has already been learned. Retroactive interference occurs when you forget a previously learned task because of the learning of a new task.
• Lack of Consolidation


  When we encounter new information, a specific amount of time is required for changes in the nervous system to occur – a process known as consolidation. This period involves the proper recording of information, as it transitions from short-term memory to the more enduring long-term memory.
• Retrieval Failure Theory


  Retrieval failure happens when the information is stored in memory but cannot be retrieved or accessed at a given moment, due to the unavailability of retrieval cues (external or internal).
• Encoding Failure


  Encoding failure occurs when information is not effectively processed and stored in the memory. If details are not properly encoded during the initial learning phase, they may be difficult to retrieve later.
• Amnesia


  A more severe form of forgetting, involving a significant loss of memory function. Retrograde amnesia affects past memories, while anterograde amnesia impairs the ability to form new memories.
• Motivated Forgetting


  Painful memories can evoke discomfort and anxiety, prompting a desire to erase or suppress them from our consciousness. This intentional effort to forget is often driven by the emotional distress associated with the remembered experiences.
• Repression


  A psychological defense mechanism where certain memories or thoughts are pushed into the unconscious mind, often to protect the individual from emotional distress. It can lead to forgetting traumatic or unpleasant experiences.
• Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon


  A common experience where a person is temporarily unable to recall a familiar word or name. Although the information is not fully forgotten, it is momentarily inaccessible.
• Adaptive Forgetting


  Letting go of irrelevant memories and retaining only important information contributes to the strength of retained memories.
• Other Common Causes Of Forgetfulness


  • Alcohol
  • Depression
  • Lack of sleep
  • Medications
  • Stress
  • Age
• Methods of Memory Development


  • Repetition and Practice
  • Active Engagement
  • Organizing Information
  • Chunking
  • Visualization
  • Association
  • Mnemonics
  • Dual Coding
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Mindfulness and Meditation
  • Get Adequate Sleep
  • Social Interaction
  • Variety in Learning
  • Use of Technology
  • Practice Retrieval