FORGET

Why We Forget

Forgetting is normal and often adaptive. The brain filters information to avoid overload.

1. Encoding Failure

• Definition: Information never enters long-term memory.

• Occurs when attention is not focused.

• Example: Forgetting someone’s name seconds after meeting them.

• Many everyday details (e.g., what’s on the back of a dollar bill) are never encoded.

2. Storage Decay (“Use It or Lose It”)

• Definition: Memories fade over time if not used.

• Based on Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve:

  • ~70% of new information forgotten within 24 hours.

• Caused by lack of rehearsal or retrieval.

3. Retrieval Failure

• Definition: Information is encoded and stored but cannot be accessed.

• Often described as “tip-of-the-tongue” phenomenon.

• Retrieval cues (hints, context) can help access the memory.

4. Interference

Memory disruption caused by competing information.

• Proactive Interference

  • Old memories interfere with new ones.

  • Example: Old password prevents remembering a new password.

• Retroactive Interference

  • New memories interfere with old ones.

  • Example: New class schedule makes it hard to recall last year’s schedule.

5. Amnesia

• Anterograde Amnesia

  • Inability to form new memories after injury.

  • Usually caused by hippocampus damage.

  • Example: Forgetting where you parked minutes later.

• Retrograde Amnesia

  • Loss of memories from before injury.

  • Past identity, experiences, or people may be forgotten.

6. Motivated Forgetting

• Suppression

  • Conscious, intentional forgetting.

  • Example: Avoiding thoughts about a dentist appointment.

• Repression

  • Unconscious blocking of traumatic memories.

  • Often linked to severe trauma.

  • Purpose: psychological protection.