Transcript Module 19
Forgetting and Memory Construction MODULE 19 Can you pick out the real deal? Most of us can't, because we've never bothered to encode this information. The penny spends just as well whether we can identify the correct version or not. (From Nickerson & Adams, 1979.) I. FORGETTING AS ENCODING FAILURE You can’t “forget” information you have never encoded As you get older you are less capable of encoding new information. (This explains some “forgetfulness” of older adults) II. FORGETTING AS STORAGE FAILURE Ebbinghaus – Famous for “forgetting curve” which shows most forgetting happens quickly and then levels off. Permastore memory Long term memories that are resistant to forgetting (last a lifetime). III. FORGETTING AS RETRIEVAL FAILURE Interference – When one memory gets in the way of another Proactive Interference – When an older memory interrupts a newer memory Old phone number blocks new one Retroactive Interference – When a more recent memory reduces your ability to retrieve an older memory. New locker combination blocks an old one III. FORGETTING AS RETRIEVAL FAILURE Because his memory of last year's locker combination (a) produces proactive interference, this boy can't remember this year's combination. He gets so caught up in the details of this year's game (d) that retroactive interference prevents him from remembering the details of last year's game (c). III. FORGETTING AS RETRIEVAL FAILURE Motivated Forgetting Freud – Founder of Psychoanalysis, which was an attempt to understand motivated forgetting Repression – Process of moving anxiety producing memories to the unconscious. (Not supported by scientific evidence) IV. MEMORY CONSTRUCTION Retrieving a memory is like building a puzzle. Memories are constructed out of information that is real and some that is not, making it difficult to distinguish between the two categories. Elizabeth Loftus – Research established the constructed nature of memory. (video ) Memory is less like a videotape than like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. Your brain "manufactures" new pieces to fill in the holes and construct a complete memory. IV. MEMORY CONSTRUCTION Misinformation Effect – Incorporating misleading information into ones memory of an event (How fast were the cars going when they hit/smashed into each other?) The more time passes before the misleading information, the greater the misinformation. Major implications for courtroom testimony (How reliable are eye witnesses?) False memory video IV. MEMORY CONSTRUCTION Children’s recall Children’s memories grow more accurate with age. (Younger children are more susceptible to suggestion.) Ways to minimize false memories in kids Use words the kids understand. Interviewer has had no contact with the child before questioning. Uses neutral language (does not ask leading or suggesting questions. Do not use an anatomically correct doll. IV. MEMORY CONSTRUCTION Recovered Memories Can repression of memories occur? possibly Can recovered memories be false? yes Be cautious and avoid jumping to conclusions about recovered memories. We should trust our memories but also be aware that they are not perfectly reliable.