Sins of Omission and Commission in Memory

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the sins of omission and commission in memory, including definitions for concepts like transience, absentmindedness, memory misattribution, and persistence.

Transience

Forgetting over time; memory traces fade or weaken.

Ebbinghaus forgetting curve

Graph that illustrates rapid loss of memory early on, leveling off over time.

Retroactive interference

When new information disrupts the retrieval of old information.

Proactive interference

When old information disrupts the retrieval of new information.

Absentmindedness

A lapse in attention during the encoding or retrieval of information.

Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon

Temporary inability to retrieve information that is known to be stored.

Memory misattribution

Correct recall of content but with the wrong source attributed.

False recognition

A phenomenon where familiarity is experienced without real memory.

Suggestibility

When memories are influenced or shaped by misleading external information.

Bias

Current beliefs and moods distort the recall of past memories.

Consistency bias

Remembering past attitudes as being more consistent with current beliefs.

Egocentric bias

The tendency to remember oneself more favorably than is accurate.

Persistence

Intrusive, unwanted memories that cannot be forgotten.

Amygdala activation

The brain's response linked to emotional memories, often involving trauma.