Unit 2.7 Notes - Memory Challenges PDF

Forgetting and Other Memory Challenges 2.7  Why Do We Forget? Forgetting helps us prioritize important information. Interference from new information can disrupt memory. Decay theory suggests memories fade over time.  Why Do We Forget? Anterograde amnesi...

Forgetting and Other Memory Challenges 2.7  Why Do We Forget? Forgetting helps us prioritize important information. Interference from new information can disrupt memory. Decay theory suggests memories fade over time.  Why Do We Forget? Anterograde amnesia: an inability to form new memories. Retrograde amnesia: an inability to remember information from one’s past.  Explain Why We Forget Normal forgetting can happen for a variety of reasons. If information is not encoded in the first place, we will never be able to remember it. This phenomenon is known as encoding failure. Forgetting is often connected to retrieval failure rather than decay. Retrieval cues can help overcome this failure, but instances like tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon are quite common. The Role of Misinformation Misinformation can alter our memories of events. Imagination can create false memories when we visualize scenarios. Source amnesia occurs when we forget where a memory came from.  How Do We Determine Memory Accuracy? We assess memories based on confidence and detail. Familiarity can mislead us into believing a memory is real. Context and cues influence our memory retrieval process.  Young Children as Eyewitnesses Young children can be unreliable witnesses. Their memories are easily influenced by suggestions. They may struggle to distinguish between real and imagined events. Memory Research Findings Use spaced repetition to enhance retention. Practice retrieval through quizzes and self-testing. Create associations to link new information with existing knowledge.  Strategies to Improve Memory Organize information into chunks for easier recall. Use mnemonic devices to aid memory retention. Visualize concepts to create stronger mental images. Sleep more, as REM sleep helps with consolidation of memories. Test your recall, to both rehearse as well as create stronger memories.  Engaging with Material Discuss topics with peers to reinforce understanding. Teach others what you've learned to solidify your memory. Apply concepts in real-life scenarios to enhance relevance. Memory and Stress High stress can impair memory formation and retrieval. Practice relaxation techniques to improve focus. Maintain a balanced lifestyle to support cognitive health.  Reflection on Memory Challenges Consider how forgetting can be beneficial. Reflect on personal experiences with memory distortion.