Cognition: Week 5 - The Science of Forgetting
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Questions and Answers

What effect does interference have on memory retrieval?

  • It enhances the retrieval of similar memories.
  • It has no effect on memory retrieval.
  • It causes similar memories to hinder retrieval. (correct)
  • It makes all memories equally accessible.

What is one reason why similar memories lead to forgetting?

  • They are selectively retrieved.
  • They degrade over time.
  • They accumulate more over time. (correct)
  • They are more distinguishable during retrieval.

What happens to memories over time according to the concept of trace decay?

  • Only recent memories are affected.
  • All memories become more vivid.
  • Memories are completely erased.
  • Memories' associations degrade along with activity level. (correct)

Which type of interference occurs when a new memory affects the retrieval of an older memory?

<p>Retroactive interference (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor may complicate the study of trace decay in forgetting?

<p>The influence of rehearsal. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a negative effect of neurogenesis on memory retention?

<p>It remodels structures which can degrade older memories. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does interference primarily affect memory retrieval?

<p>By making the cue less effective due to competition. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of having more competitors on memory retrieval?

<p>It decreases the likelihood of accessing target memory. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT correlated with the forgetting of memories over time?

<p>Temporal proximity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes incidental context as it relates to memory retrieval over time?

<p>It fluctuates significantly. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does decay of memories potentially manifest biologically?

<p>Through the death of neurons and degradation of synaptic connections. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What assumption underlies the concept of interference in memory retrieval?

<p>All associates hinder the retrieval of a single memory. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does contextual similarity between encoding and retrieval play in memory?

<p>It can enhance the chances of successful retrieval. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge in attributing forgetting to decay?

<p>The presence of new experiences making memories inaccessible. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes proactive interference?

<p>It occurs when old memories block the recall of newly learned information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can one diminish interference during memory retrieval?

<p>By reducing the number of competitors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of part-set cues on memory retrieval?

<p>They can weaken recall of non-cued items. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the 1968 study by Slamecka, what was one significant outcome regarding part-set cues?

<p>They reduced recall of items in the target memory. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does selective retrieval imply in the context of memory recall?

<p>It can harm recall of related memories. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is retroactive interference?

<p>When newer memories hinder access to older memories (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which implication arises from the concept of retrieval-induced forgetting?

<p>Partial retrieval can hinder learning of related information. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which situation describes proactive interference?

<p>Forgetting a new password because you remember an old one (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do part-set cues influence the recall of associated items?

<p>They reduce recall for the target memory and others. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does part-set cuing affect memory recall?

<p>It strengthens associations to the cue, worsening memory retrieval (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory retrieval is highlighted by Anderson et al. in their 1994 study?

<p>Retrieval induced forgetting. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the causes of memory loss related to interference?

<p>The tendency for recall impairment with the same category items (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to items that are not cued in a retrieval scenario involving part-set cues?

<p>They may be more difficult to recall. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a core finding from Slamecka's study concerning cues and memory?

<p>Cues can sometimes act as distractions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should you consider when giving retrieval cues to help memory?

<p>Certain categories of cues may hinder memory retrieval (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between older memories and newer memories in proactive interference?

<p>Older memories block access to newer memories (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding cues and memory retrieval?

<p>Memory retrieval can worsen with an increased number of similar cues (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a part-set cue impairment?

<p>Being unable to recall a friend's name after several reminders of other names (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the benefits of forgetting according to the functional view?

<p>It aids in goal-directed behavior. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does forgetting promote cognitive efficiency?

<p>By allowing focus on more relevant information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the theory of decay over time related to?

<p>The gradual loss of memory strength as time passes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is retrieval induced forgetting?

<p>When recalling one memory hinders the retrieval of another. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does part-set cuing refer to?

<p>The disruption of retrieval due to presenting only part of the memory set. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to forgetting?

<p>Consolidation of memories. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of memory as presented in the content?

<p>To guide intelligent decision-making. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the nature of forgetting is true?

<p>Forgetting can be an adaptive mechanism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What resulted from the retrieval practice phase involving interrogation about some stolen items?

<p>It impaired memory for related items. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does selective retrieval contribute to forgetting?

<p>It may lead to severe forgetting of non-practiced information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) imply for witness interrogations?

<p>Witnesses may forget related details when focused on specific items. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of retrieval practice?

<p>It can selectively strengthen some memories while causing forgetting of others. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is understanding selective retrieval important in contexts like crime scene interrogations?

<p>It can lead to more accurate testimonies by avoiding focus on specific items. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does selective strengthening refer to in the context of memory retrieval?

<p>Selective emphasis on some memories at the cost of others. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does research suggest about the relationship between retrieval practice and severe forgetting?

<p>Retrieval practice can lead to increased forgetting of non-practiced information. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the findings of Anderson et al. (1994) regarding retrieval-induced forgetting?

<p>Practicing retrieval can inadvertently diminish recall of non-practiced items. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Memory Decay

The gradual weakening of memories over time.

Interference

Similar memories interfere with each other, making it harder to retrieve one specifically.

Trace Decay Theory

The idea that memories gradually weaken due to the mere passage of time.

Biological basis of Trace Decay

The biological explanation of memory decay suggests that the connections between neurons involved in a memory weaken over time.

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Neurogenesis

The process of new neurons being generated in the hippocampus, which can help with new learning but can also disrupt older memories stored there.

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Contextual Fluctuation

The degree to which the environment during encoding and retrieval are similar can affect how well we remember.

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Rehearsal

The act of repeating information to strengthen its memory trace.

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Correlates of Time

Factors such as interference and rehearsal, which are often correlated with the passage of time, can also contribute to forgetting.

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Part-set cuing impairment

The tendency for recall to be impaired by the provision of retrieval cues from the same category of items in memory.

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Part-set cuing effect

Providing hints may impede memory retrieval!

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Part-set cuing impact

The impairments is more severe with increasing numbers of cues provided from the same set.

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How part-set cuing works - 1

Presenting similar items as cues strengthens their association to the cue.

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How part-set cuing works - 2

Competition for non-cues increases, so memory worsens!

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Retroactive Interference

Learning new information can hinder the recall of previously learned information.

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Proactive Interference

Learning old information can hinder the recall of newly learned information.

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Memory Loss

The act of trying to remember information can lead to forgetting.

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Contextual Fluctuation and Forgetting

The similarity between the context during encoding (learning) and retrieval (remembering) of a memory influences its retrieval. The larger the difference, the harder it is to recall.

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Competition Assumption

Similar memories or traces negatively impact the retrieval of a target memory due to competition for access to consciousness. The more similar memories, the more competition, and the harder it is to retrieve the target.

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Contextual Similarity and Time

The idea that the context of a memory is less similar to the distant past than it is to the recent past. This relates to how contextual fluctuations impact forgetting.

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Interference and Number of Competitors

Interference increases as the number of competing memories associated with a cue increases.

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Diminishing Interference

To reduce interference, we need to minimize the number of competing memories associated with a cue. This can be done by creating distinct memories or reducing the similarity between memories.

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Part-set Cuing

The phenomenon where providing cues for some items in a set (part-set cues) can actually hinder the recall of other items in that set, even if those items are not explicitly cued.

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Retrieval-Induced Forgetting (RIF)

The idea that the act of retrieving one memory can negatively impact the recall of other related memories.

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Selective Retrieval

When you recall one particular memory, you are more likely to forget other related memories, even if they are not directly accessed.

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Related Memories

Memories that are related to the retrieved or cued memory.

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Non-Cued Items

Items that are not directly cued but are still part of the same set as the cued items.

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Untouched Memories

Memories that are not retrieved or accessed during the recall process.

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Cueing Effect

The positive effect of providing cues for recalling information.

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Memory Recall

The act of retrieving a memory from long-term storage.

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Retrieval Practice Effect

The retrieval practice of information can strengthen and improve our memory for that information.

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Selective Strengthening

While retrieval practice can be beneficial for strengthening memories for specific information, focusing on only a subset of information can negatively impact our memory for other related information.

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RIF: Implications for Witness Testimony

RIF can have significant implications for real-world situations, such as witness testimonies. Interrogating individuals about certain aspects of a crime may weaken their memory for details they were not specifically questioned about.

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Crime Scene Interrogations & RIF

Interrogating witnesses about certain details can negatively impact their memory for other crime-related information, highlighting the importance of asking careful questions to avoid inhibiting their recall.

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RIF: A Phenomenon of Memory

RIF is a phenomenon that occurs when retrieval practice weakens the memory for unpracticed but related information.

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RIF: Dynamic Nature of Memory

RIF is a reminder that memory is not simply a passive storage system but a dynamic process influenced by retrieval interactions.

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Forgetting

The process of forgetting information over time, often due to factors like competition from other memories or context shifts.

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Functional Account of Forgetting

The idea that forgetting can be a purposeful process that improves the efficiency of our memory system.

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Forgetting Promotes Flexibility

Forgetting promotes flexibility in our behavior by reducing the influence of outdated or irrelevant information.

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Memory Consolidation

The process of making memories more stable and resistant to forgetting over time.

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Theory of Decay Over Time

A theory suggesting that forgetting occurs gradually as memories fade over time.

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Retrieval-induced Forgetting

The phenomenon where retrieving a subset of memories can hinder the retrieval of other related memories.

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Study Notes

Cognition: Week 5

  • This week's lecture covers the topic of forgetting
  • Forgetting is not linear, it decreases at a logarithmic rate
  • Most forgetting occurs immediately after the event, then less forgetting occurs over time
  • There are different types of forgetting
  • Incidental forgetting happens without an intention to forget
  • Motivated forgetting is intentional (e.g., forgetting unwanted memories)
  • Autobiographical memory is uncontrollable remembering (e.g., traumatic events).
  • Memories can be distracting
  • Retrieval of memories is affected by various factors
  • The rate of forgetting is not constant.
  • Ebbinghaus studied forgetting curves
  • Forgetting can be predicted using a logarithmic relationship
  • Forgetting is more immediate, then slows down later on.
  • Forgetting public events demonstrated a pattern similar to Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve
  • Bahrick et al (1975) discovered that recognition for names/faces of classmates remained intact even after a significant amount of time, while recall was significantly impaired.
  • Bahrick (1984) explored forgetting of foreign languages
  • Availability versus accessibility:
    • Availability refers to whether the memory exists in memory store
    • Accessibility is determining whether a memory is retrievable
  • Factors that discourage forgetting:
    • Better learning initially
    • Repeated retrieval attempts (testing effect)
    • Effect of testing on personal memories
  • Jost's Law: Older memories tend to be more durable and less susceptible to forgetting compared to newer memories.
  • Consolidation: Transforms new memories into more permanent states
  • Reconsolidation: Enables memories to restabilize after reactivation.
  • Causes of incidental forgetting:
    • Trace decay (memories weaken over time)
    • Context shifts
    • Interference (similar memories hinder retrieval)

Interference

  • There are different types of interference
  • Associative Blocking occurs when a retrieval cue elicits a stronger competitor, which hinders access to the target memory.
  • Associative Unlearning occurs when an associative bond linking a stimulus to a memory trace is punished.

Other causes of Forgetting (Incidental)

  • Part-set cuing impairment
    • Retrieval can be impaired by cues drawn from the same category
    • Presenting similar items as cues strengthens their association, hindering retrieval of other items.

Retrieval-Induced Forgetting (RIF)

  • Selective/partial retrieval of memories can harm the recall of other related memories

  • Selective retrieval may contribute to more significant forgetting for information that has not been actively practiced/retrieved.

  • This has implications for learning and studying

  • Retrieval practice can strengthen memories but selective strengthening of a subset of memories can be detrimental for retrieval of related but not practiced memories

  • For example, interrogating witnesses about some related items can impair their ability to recall other items.

Functional Account of Forgetting

  • Forgetting can be adaptive by controlling the retrieval of memories in the face of competition.
  • Forgetting can be actively used to facilitate future memories.
  • Forgetting strengthens the retrieval of practiced/strengthened memories by inhibiting competitors
  • It helps in goal-directed behavior and decision-making

Forgetting Promotes Flexibility and Generalization

  • Forgetting is not necessarily a sign of memory failure
  • Allowing for flexible behaviors and generalizations of past events to new experiences
  • Forgetting may represent an investment in a more optimal mnemonic strategy

Why do we forget?

  • Forgetting enables the brain to focus on relevant details and make better decisions.
  • Forgetting promotes flexibility and generalisation in memory

Summary: Main Points

  • Forgetting starts strongly and then fades
  • Consolidation makes memories more resistant
  • Several factors, including context and interference, contribute to forgetting
  • Retrieval-induced forgetting may harm related memories
  • Part-set cuing, where memory is cued by a subset of items, can cause further forgetting of other related items
  • Forgetting might be adaptive to enhance cognitive efficiency
  • Forgetting might be a good thing to increase flexibility and generalization

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Related Documents

Cognition: Week 5 Lecture PDF

Description

This week's lecture explores the concept of forgetting, emphasizing its logarithmic nature and the various types such as incidental and motivated forgetting. Dive into the research of Ebbinghaus and Bahrick et al. to understand how forgetting affects memory retrieval and the patterns that emerge over time.

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