Explanations of forgetting

Explanations of forgetting

1. Short term

   • Decay theory
     • memories have physical basis in brain. if not rehearsed, then will decay.
       • Hebb (49) suggested that Engrams formed are fragile, and without repetition will deteriorate. Repetition causes stronger connections and neurological changes. this Idea is based that forgetfulness occurs due to a disturbed trace in memory.
       • Peterson and Peterson (1959) shown how if participants weren't allowed to rehearse a list of names, rates dropped by 80%, within 18 seconds. Supports as shows how rehearsal is required so decay in short term doesn't happen
       • Watkins et al in 1973 asked Participants to either listen and recall, or listen, hum and recall a set of words, found that those who hummed would recall less possibly as it obstructs rehearsal, destroying trace. supports Decay, as suggests how fragile the memory trace is without rehearsal.
   • Displacement theory
     • Theory based on assumption that our short term memory has a limited capacity, therefore previous memories will be displaced by more recent information, causing those to forget. 45r