Episode 21 # Memory : Retrieval and Forgetting !

 

Salam to all Dynamite's readers,

The topic for todays entry is retrieval and forgetting.

 

Forgetting  refers to apparent loss of information already encoded and stored in an individual's long term memory.
 

Theories of forgetting

Cue-dependent forgetting

  Cue-dependent forgetting (also, context-dependent forgetting) or retrieval failure, is the failure to recall a memory due to missing stimuli or cues that were present at the time the memory was encoded.

Trace decay  
Trace decay theory explains memories that are stored in both short term and long term memory system. According to this theory, short term memory (STM) can only retain information for a limited amount of time, around 15 to 30 seconds unless it is rehearsed

Organic causes  
 These theories encompass the loss of information already retained in long term memory or the inability to encode new information again.

Interference theories
 Interference theory refers to the idea that when the learning of something new causes forgetting of older material on the basis of competition between the two.

 Decay theory 

 Decay theory states that when something new is learned, a neurochemical, physical "memory trace" is formed in the brain and over time this trace tends to disintegrate, unless it is occasionally used.

 

Retrieving memories is something the brain is very good at. But occasionally it lets us down. If it wasn't relevant enough to you, or you didn't practise the name, the memory of the meeting may elude you. 



Retrieval cues 

• Information which helps recall memories, falling under two categories: state-dependent cues and context-dependent cues
• Context-Dependent Cues
  memory retrieval cues which depend on the environment and situation
  
  
• State-dependent cues
  memory retrieval cues which depend on your state of mind and being at the time of encoding
  
  
   
  
  
  (credit information from google)