Forgetting

What is forgetting ?
Forgetting is apparent loss or modification of
information already encoded and stored in an
individual’s long term memory.

Itis inability to encode,to store and retrieve the

previously learned information from long-term
memory over varying periods of time.
Itis a natural and essential part of the
learning and memory process,as it helps
us to filter out unnecessary information
and make room for new learning.

However ,forgetting can also be

problematic , as it can led to difficulties
in remembering important information
or events.
Cause behind Forgetting

Faulty
 memory process
Loss of interest

Interference

Retrieval Problem

Lack of motivation

Physical damages

Genetic factors

 Theories of forgetting
• Retrieval Failure Theory: Suggest that
many memories are inaccessible because
memory cues that are present when the
memory was formed are missing when the
time comes to retrieve it.

• Tip-of-the-tongue(TOT) phenomena:
Having the answer on the tip of your
tongue, you know the answer is there but
it is just out of reach
Interference Theory
The tendency for new memories to
impair the retrieval of older memories
and vice versa.
Proposes that forgetting in long term
memory result from other memories
interfering with the retrieval of
information targeted for recall,
especially when the memories are
similar.
Types of interference
Retroactive Interference: Refers to
the tendency for new information to
interference with retrieval of previous
learned information.
Proactive Interference : Refers to the
tendency for previously learned
information to interference with the
retrieval of recently learned
information.
Motivated Forgetting
 Forgettingin long term memory occurs
because of a conscious or unconsciously
desired to block out painful or threatening
memories.
 Repression: Occurs unconsciously or
without your awareness
 Suppression : When you actively and
consciously attempt to put something out
of awareness-you could choose to
remember it.
Limitation to Motivated Forgetting

Has not been extensively tested in

laboratory.
Other factors could account for
memory loss such as a blow to the
head or lack of consolidation
Decay Theory

 Assumes that when learning takes place a

change occurs in the brain-a memory trace
is formed (physical/chemical trace of the
event)
 Decay theory suggest that these traces
disintegrate over time if they are not
reactive for use.
Limitation of Decay Theory

 Failsto explain why some memories fade

and other are maintained for life.
 Doesn’texplain our ability to recover
seemingly forgotten memories – this can
happen through re-learning or a retrieval
cue.
The forgetting curve

 There is a normal curve for forgetting new information.

 Hermann Ebbinghaus did experiment on himself using
nonsense syllabus
- After 20 minutes he remembered 70%
- After 1 hour he remembered 54%
- After 1 day he remembered 38%
- After 2 day he remembered 28%
- After a month remembered 21
Forgetting curve
Rate and amount of forgetting

 Curveis generally the same for a variety of

material but can vary.
 Semantic memories tend to be lasting
 Moremeaningful information is also
forgotten less easily
 How well information is encoded influence
rate and amount of forgetting – not
affected by difficulty of information
Organic Cause of forgetting
When damage to the brain cause
abnormal functioning it is said to be
organic eg:blow to head, head stroke,
tumour-these can lead to aminesia, a
common form of memory loss
Amnesia: temporary or permanent,
partial or complete loss of memory
- Organic = caused by damage to brain
- Dissociative = psychological trauma
Techniques For Effective
Memorization
 Overlearning : It means that if you wish
not to forget what you have already
learned , continue to reviewing it now and
then.
 Spaced Practice : This is a strategy of
studying in which a relaxation or rest
period is allotted in between a schedule of
studying
 Repeated Recitation : Recite what you have
learned to yourself . Silent recitation will
make you remember past lessons.
 Selection:It is difficult to remember all the
notes written in your notebook or textbook
which you can use to summarize your ideas.
 UsingMnemonics: Mnemonic system are
techniques or strategies consciously used to
improve memory . They help use information
already stored in long- term memory to
make memorization an easier task.
 Organization:This strategy can be done by
organizing your notes or making an outline
so that when your ideas are already
organized, learning become easier, and
faster.
 THANK YOU
I WISH THAT YOU WILL NOT FORGET THIS PRESENTATION