Learning Target:

Describe strategies for memory improvement and typical memory errors.

AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2020. (n.d.). https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-psychology-course-and-exam-description.pdf

Forgetting

Forgetting is the inability to remember information that was previously available. Forgetting is so common that our world is full of reminders. We have reminders on our smartphones, through postcards, alarms, calendars, etc. While it may seem that there is no real value in forgetting, it does have an adaptive value. It allows us to rid our minds of clutter.

3 Reasons We Forget
1. Fail to Encode
2. Fail to Store
3. Retrieval Failure

Encoding Failure

Multi-Stage Diagram:
Stimuli/input leads to Short-term memory (15-30 secs), then Rehearsal leads to Long-term memory (1 sec - Lifetime). Stimuli/input can also lead to Sensory Memory (1-3 secs).

Forgetting for all 3 is caused by biological factors, or antecedent processes Encoding failure is one of the most common reasons for forgetting. When encoding failure occurs it is due to never encoding the information into LTM in the first place. This explains why it is easy to forget the name of someone you meet for the first time only a few minutes later.

Divided attention or absent-mindedness is another type of encoding failure. If you are not paying attention to information as it is being presented it is likely that you will forget it. For example, you are being led on a tour of a new school with a guide. Throughout the tour, you are talking and listening to the guide who then leaves you at the end of the tour, but in a different location than where you began. Due to a lack of encoding, it may be difficult to find your way back.

Storage Decay

Decay theory or storage decay is when we forget memories because we do not use them, and they fade away over time. When a memory is formed it creates a memory trace (A distinct structural or chemical change in the brain.). When not used for a period, the physical trace begins to fade and is sometimes interrupted by other learning. Memories need to be rehearsed to stay fresh in our minds.

Failure to Retrieve

Retrieval failure happens when you are unable to access a memory that was previously encoded and stored. Forgetting is caused by one memory competing with another or being replaced by another. The similarity of the information is a critical factor in whether the information will be retained. The more similar the information, the more likely interference will be experienced.

Memory Interference Diagram showing how Proactive and Retroactive Interference impact Memory and New Memories.

Proactive interference is the disruption of prior learning (old information) on the recall of added information. If you move to a new home, the memory of your old zip code may interfere with the ability to remember your new zip code. Retroactive interference on the other hand is the disruption of new learning (new memories) on the recall of old information. For example, if you have a tough time remembering last year's locker combination because you have learned this year's combination.

Proactive and Retroactive Interference are two commonly confused terms in AP Psychology. Please take a moment to view the video below.

Practice Proactive and Retroactive Interference in the activity below.

[CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION