Interference theory

Desk, apple, bookshelf, red, plum, table, green, pineapple, purple, chair, peach, yellow

Semantic network model

lThis model suggests that certain triggers activate associated memories.

l A memory of a specific place might activate memories about related things that have occurred in that location.

(video, 8.36)

What are some of the major reasons why we forget information?

Elizabeth Loftus, has identified four major reasons why people forget:

lretrieval failure,

linterference,

lfailure to store ,

lmotivated forgetting.

Have you ever felt like a piece of information has just vanished from memory?

Retrieval failure is known as decay theory.

According to this theory, a memory trace is created every time. But over time, these memory traces begin to fade and disappear. If information is not retrieved and rehearsed, it will eventually be lost.

(You learned Spanish, but you haven’t tried to speak it in years).

Interference theory

lSuggests that some memories compete and interfere with other memories. When information is very similar to other information that was previously stored in memory, interference is more likely to occur.

There are two basic types of interference:

lProactive interference is when an old memory makes it more difficult or impossible to remember a new memory (you have learned smth incorrectly).

lRetroactive interference occurs when new information interferes with your ability to remember previously learned information.

Failure to Store

lSometimes, losing information has less to do with forgetting and more to do with the fact that it never made it into long-term memory in the first place.

lEncoding failures sometimes prevent information from entering long-term memory.

(5 coin)

Motivated Forgetting

Sometimes, we may actively work to forget memories, especially those of traumatic or disturbing events or experiences.

The two basic forms of motivated forgetting:

lSuppression - a conscious form of forgetting;

lRepression - an unconscious form of forgetting.

Tests???

lStudying and rehearsing information is the best way to remember?

lResearchers have found that being tested on information is actually one of the best ways to improve recall.

lIt was found that students who studied and were then tested had better long-term recall of the materials, even on information that was not covered by the tests. Students who had extra time to study but were not tested had significantly lower recall of the materials.

How to remember?

lUtilizing technology to keep track of information. Tools such as mobile devices, online reminder calendars can help keep track of appointment and other important dates.

lTaking a "mental picture". Systematically trying to make a mental note of things you often forget (such as where you left your car keys) can help you remember things better. The next time you set your keys down somewhere, take a moment to mentally note where you left them and the other objects that were nearby.

lUse memorization techniques. Rehearsing information, employing mnemonics and other memorization strategies are perhaps the best ways to overcome minor memory problems. By learning how to use these strategies effectively, you can sidestep the faulty areas of your memory and train your brain to function in new ways.

Date: 2015-12-17; view: 845