2.7 - Forgetting & other memory challenges

forgetting

An inability to retrieve information due to poor encoding storage or retrieval

anterograde amnesia

Can't make new memories

Retrograde amnesia

Inability to retrieve info from past

Encoding failure

Can't remember what we don't encode

• selective attention

Forgetting curve

Forgetting is initially rapid, then levels off

Tip of the tongue phenomenon

Retrieval failure phenomenon. Retrieval cues can help retrieve answers

Proactive interference

Old learning disrupts retrieval of new info

Retroactive inference

New learning disrupts retrieval of old info

positive transfer

previously learned info often facilitates our learning of new info

Reconsolidation

replacing original memory with a slightly modified version

• makes constructive memories

misinformation effect

incorporating misleading info into one’s memory of an event

source amnesia

attributing an event to the wrong source

déjà vu

cues from current situation may unconsciously trigger retrieval of an earlier similar experience

imagination inflation

repeatedly imagining an event increases confidence that the event actually happened

repression

banishes anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories from consciousness