why we forget the 7 causes of memory failure. the importance of forgetting at this point in the...
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Why we forget
The 7 causes of memory failure
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The importance of forgetting
At this point in the unit, you know the three types, processes, and stages of memory. Now, let’s move on to an equally important topic: forgetting.
“Forgetting is as important as remembering. If we remembered everything, we should be as ill off as if we remembered nothing. It would take as long for us to recall a space of time as it took the original time to elapse, and we should never get ahead with our thinking.” –William James
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The dynamics of forgetting
Forgetting can occur at any memory stage
As we process information, we filter, alter, or lose much of it
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Reason #1: Encoding failure
Information never enters long-term memory; not paying attention to details produces encoding failure (bigger problem as you get older)
Externalevents
Sensorymemory
Short-term
memory
Long-term
memory
Attention
Encoding
Encoding
Encodingfailure leadsto forgetting
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Remember the penny activity?
Which penny is the real thing? Do you know now? Probably not.
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Reason #2: Storage decay
Physical fading away of a memory trace over time when it is not used: “use it or lose it”
12345 10 15 20 25 30
10
20
30
40
50
60
0
Time in days since learning list
Percentage oflist retainedwhen relearning
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Reason #3: Retrieval failure
Forgetting can result from failure to retrieve information from long-term memory
Externalevents
Attention
Encoding
Encoding
Retrieval failureleads to forgetting
Retrieval
Sensorymemory
Short-termmemory
Long-termmemory
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Reason #4: Interference
Learning some items may disrupt retrieval of other information
Proactive interference:
Retroactive interference:
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The two directions of interference
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Limiting retroactive interference: a tip
The hour before bed is a good time to memorize new material!
Without interferingevents, recall isbetterAfter sleep
After remaining awake
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Hours elapsed after learning syllables
90%
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Percentageof syllables
recalled
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Reason #5: Motivations for Forgetting
Motivated Forgetting
Repression
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Reason #6: Memory Construction
Memories are not files retrieved from a hard drive; they are actively and imperfectly constructed every time you retrieve them from a vast network of associations
We filter information and fill in missing pieces, often leading to distortions;
Retrieval of memories is subject to bias and suggestibility; imagination inflation
Misinformation Effect
Source Amnesia
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Reason #7: Memory Disorders
Age-associated memory impairment:
Prospagnosia:
Post-concussion syndrome:
Alzheimer’s Disease: degenerative condition of the brain; affects 4 million Americans today
Other strange stories related to #6 and #7 to come…