2.7: Forgetting and Other Memory Challenges

Forgetting Curve

A graph showing the decline of memory retention over time, famously studied by Ebbinhaus.

Encoding Failure

Failure to process information into memory, often due to lack of attention or meaninful connection.

Tip-of-the-Tounge Pheonomenon

When a person cannot fully recall a word or name but has a strong feeling that retrieval is imminent.

Proactive Interference

When older memories interfere with the retrieval of newer information.

Retroactive Interference

When newer information inteferes with the retrieval of older memories.

Constructive Memory

Memory that has been influenced by personal beliefs, emotions, and biases during recall.

Reconsolidation

The process of re-storing modified memories after they have been retrieved, potentially altering them.

Misinformation Effect

When misleading information presented after an event distorts one's memory of the original event.

Decay Theory

The theory that memory fades over time if it is not accessed or used.

Interference Theory

The theory that forgetting is caused by one memory competing with or replacing another.

Distress

Negative stress that can make a person sick or keep them from reaching a goal.

Eustress

Positive stres that can motivate individuals and help them achieve goals.

Ego

The rational part of the personality that mediates between the id, superego, and reality.

Superego

The moral component of personality that internalizes societal standards and ideals.

Id

The primitive, instinctual part of the personality that operates on the pleasure principle.

Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious psychological strategies used by the ego to manage anxiety arising from unacceptable thoughts.

Repression

A defense mechanism where anxiety-provoking thoughts are unconsciously pushed out of conscious awareness.