AP PSYCH 5.5 Forgetting and Memory Distortion

Forgetting

• Forgetting can occur when encoding was not done well enough
  • The connections keeping that memory there decay and it can no longer be retrieved
• We may also fail to retrieve a memory if the connections are not strong enough and cues are not helpful enough
  • Like a word on the tip of your tongue

Storage Decay

• Ebbinghaus developed the ‘forgetting curve’ to predict at what point something is forgotten
• He memorized nonsense syllables and measured at what point he forgot them over a couple days
• There was a steep drop-off of recall initially, which then leveled out

Retrieval Failure

• When information is stored but not accessible
• Can affect retrospective memory which is looking back at previous information
• Also affects prospective memory
  • This is memory of something in the future
  • Can be assisted with retrieval cues
  • Like remembering an event you have to attend or medicine you take each morning

Interference

Proactive Interference

• Prior information disrupts new learning
• Learning a new language may be very hard when you keep thinking back to your native language

Retroactive Interference

• New information disrupts prior learning
• Or rather, the new language you’re learning is popping up in your native speech

Amnesia

Retrograde Amnesia

• Inability to remember past information or experiences
• Procedures to make new memories remain

Anterograde Amnesia

• Inability to form new memories
• Often relates to damage to the hippocampus

Source Amnesia

• Attributing an experience to the wrong source
• Quite common

Ways to Improve Memory

• Make new information meaningful with links and associations
• Distribute practice
• Activate retrieval cues
• Use the testing effect
• Chunk information
• Use mnemonics
• Get good and consistent sleep