Section 7.3: Forgetting, Memory Construction, and Improving Memory - Terms

Retrograde amnesia

The inability to recall memories formed before the onset of amnesia, typically following brain injury or trauma.

Anterograde amnesia

The inability to form new long-term memories after the onset of amnesia, while past memories remain intact.

Proactive interference

When older memories interfere with the ability to recall new information.

Retroactive interference

When new information disrupts the recall of previously learned information.

Repression

A defense mechanism in which distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings are unconsciously pushed out of conscious awareness.

Reconsolidation

The process by which retrieved memories become malleable and may be altered before being stored again.

Misinformation effect

The phenomenon in which misleading information presented after an event can distort one's memory of that event.

Source amnesia

The inability to remember the origin of a memory, leading to confusion about where, when, or how the information was acquired.

Deja vu

The eerie feeling of having already experienced a situation, even though it is happening for the first time.