Forgetting & Memory Errors

Forgetting

The inability to retrieve information that was previously learned.

Encoding failure

Forgetting because information was never effectively encoded into memory.

Retrieval failure

Being unable to access stored information at a particular time.

Proactive interference

Old information interferes with learning or remembering new information.

Retroactive interference

New information interferes with remembering older information.

Decay theory

The idea that memory traces may weaken over time when not used.

Misinformation effect

When misleading information after an event alters a person's memory of it.

False memory

Remembering an event inaccurately or remembering an event that did not happen.

Source amnesia

Remembering information but forgetting where or how you learned it.

Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon

Temporarily being unable to retrieve information you feel you know.

Repression

The proposed process of keeping distressing thoughts out of conscious awareness; its role in memory is debated.

Amnesia

A significant loss or disruption of memory.