Explanations for forgetting

Explanations for forgetting

1. retrieval failure

2. trace decay - unavailabilty

3. interference - inaccessibility

   • Proactive Interference
     • works forward in time
     • an old memory stops the recall of a new memory
       • old number stops a new number being rememberd
   • Retroactive Interference
     • works back in time
     • new info stops old info being recalled
     • a new car plate prevents the recall of the old car plate
   • can't explain it for everyday things, only based on similar things
   • lab based exp

4. cue-dependant forgetting

   • uses cues to remember/trigger their memory
   • Context dependent failure
     • people remember things better when in the same environment as they were when coding
     • external retrieval cues
   • state dependant failure
     • internal
     • participants are more likely to remember things when they're in the same state of mind as the coding
       • if high will remember when high again rather than sober
   • evaluation
     • lab based - lacks ecological validity

5. Repression

   • motivated forgetting, traumatic events go into the unconscious mind
     • prevents anxiety
   • sexual assault cases
     • can be recovered through therapy
   • hard to get internal validity - the event may have not even occurred
   • false memory syndrome - recovered memories being false memories