Memory and Forgetting

1. Memory and Forgetting Chapter 11 Learning & Behavior (Chance)

2. Chapter Guiding Questions • What are some ways of thinking about memory? • What kinds of memory have been identified? • Where are memories to be found? • What, exactly, is forgetting? • How is forgetting measured? • Why does forgetting occur? • How does forgetting affect survival? • Are there things I can do to prevent forgetting? • Is forgetting a bad thing?

3. Short and Long Memories • Retention interval—the period between a learning experience and its recall • Short-term memory—any memory with a very short retention interval • Long-term memory—any memory with a relatively long retention interval • Can memories be permanent?

4. Declarative Memories (Examples) • Information that can be declared (or stated) with words • Two types: • Semantic memories—knowledge about the world • Episodic memories—autobiographical memory, event memory, memory for events you have experienced

5. Nondeclarative Memories (Examples) • Memories of knowledge that cannot be expressed, implicit knowledge • Pavlovian conditioning • Procedural memories

6. The Case of H. M.

7. What is forgetting? • Deterioration in learned behavior following a period without practice

8. What variables affect forgetting? • Degree of learning • Overlearning • Prior learning • Proactive interference—occurs when old learning interferes with recall of new information

9. Subsequent learning • Retroactive learning—occurs when new learning interferes with older learning • Context • Cue-dependent forgetting

10. How can we reduce forgetting? • Overlearn—learn more to forget less • Mnemonic device—any technique for aiding recall • Mnemonic systems—a system that uses mnemonics to aid recall (loci system, peg word system, etc.) • Use context clues—making the cues that are present during learning also present during recall • Use a prompt—a cue that evokes a behavior

11. Just forget about it!