2.7: Forgetting and Other Memory Challenges

anterograde amnesia

an inability to form new memories

retrograde amnesia

an inability to remember information from one’s past

displacement

information that is not encoded for long-term will be lost as new information enters short-term

forgetting curve

initially rapid, levels off with time

reasons why memories may be inaccessible

never encoded, stored memories decay, can’t retrieve memories

proactive interference

disruptive effect of older learning on the recall of new information

retroactive interference

disruptive effect of new learning on the recall of old information

positive transfer

when previously learned information helps facilitate learning of new information

impact of repression on memory

self-censor to protect our self-concept and minimize anxiety

reconsolidation

process in which previously stored memories, when retrieved, are potentially altered before being stored again

misinformation effect

occurs when a memory has been corrupted by misleading information

frailest part of a memory

the source

source amnesia

faulty memory for how, when, or where information was learned or imagined (misattributing info to a wrong source)

deja vu

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

likeliness of misinformation effect on children

more likely

ways to improve memory

rehearse repeatedly, make material meaningful, activate retrieval cues, mnemonic devices, minimize proactive and retroactive interference, sleep more, test your knowledge