7.4 ap psych forgetting and false memories

the forgetting curve

graphical representation of the rate at which memory fades over time

proactive interference

occurs when older memories inhibit the ability to learn and remember new information. more likely to occur when the old and new information are similar

retroactive interference

occurs when new learning impairs the recall of previously encoded information

tip of the tongue phenomenon

common memory experience where an individual feels confident that they know a word or a name but cannot immediately recall it

source amnesia

the inability to remember where, when, or how previously learned information has been acquired (lost context), while retaining the factual knowledge

anterograde amnesia

memory disorder characterized by an inability to form new memories following the onset of the amnesia, although memories from before the event remain intact

retrograde amnesia

memory disorder that involves the loss of memories formed before the onset of amnesia

infantile amnesia

the phenomenon where people cannot recall personal memories from the early years of life, typically before the age 3-4

alzheimer's disease

progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes

represssion

distressing thoughts and memories are unconsciously blocked from entering conscious awareness. serves to protect the individual from psychological distress

constructive memory

the process by which memories are not merely retrieved but actively constructed

memory consolidation

new memories are integrated with existing memories influence by prior knowledge, beliefs, and experiences

imaginative inflation

imagining an event that never occured can increase the confidence that it dit occur

misinformation effect

happens when new, incorrect information, influences how we remember past events