Chapter 6 Outline Forgetting

Chapter 6
Memory
Chapter Outline
Forgetting

Forgetting: not a function of the passage of time. Causes:

I Interference: for interference to occur, something that is potentially interfering must happen in the period between original learning and tests for memory.
A. Retroactive interference: occurs when new information being entered into memory interferes with retention of information already present in memory. Ex: new pc program blocks out memory of old program.
B. Proactive interference: occurs when information previously entered into memory interferes with the learning or storage of current information.

II Retrieval Inhibition: the inhibition of information in memory we don’t try to remember produced by remembering other related information. Ex: list of 25 states when trying to remember 50.


Memory distortion:
A. Schemas: cognitive frameworks representing our knowledge about specific aspects of the world.

Memory construction (false memories)
A. Fuzzy trace theory: a theory about the relationship between memory and higher reasoning processes. “gist” memories. Up to some point, false memories are stronger than real ones.

Repression: the active elimination from consciousness of memories or experiences we find threatening.

Autobiographical memory: memory for information about events in our own lives. (Episodic memory)

Infantile amnesia: our supposed inability to remember experiences during the first 2 or 3 years of life.

Mood dependent memory: refers to the finding that what we remember while in a given mood may be determined, in part, by what we learned when previously in that same mood.

Mood congruence effects: refers to the finding that we tend to notice or remember information congruent with our current mood. (Remember positive info when in a positive mood and neg info when in a negative mood)