Theories of Forgetting- Can we get positives and negatives.

[izzykose]

Ill start. However, if we have to compare them, asking us to asses which one is a better explanation i would like to have positives and negatives of the theories and how they refute each other. So basically, what some theories have over others and other supporting/rejecting evidence. Thanks in advance.

Retrieval Failure Theory: Proposes that forgetting occurs when we because we lack or fail to use the appropriate retrieval cue required for retrieval of information from LTM.

Supporting Evidence: TOT- Sometimes we are aware of knowing something, and confident we will remember it, but cannot name the particular information we are trying to remember at that time. Shows that we have forgotten, however the required information may 'pop out of memory' showing that the 'memory trace' had not faded from memory as suggested in decay theory, but the appropriate cue has not been used and only a partial retrieval process has occurred.

Evidence Against: I have no idea?? Maybe that it does not explain all the reasons why we may forget?

Interference Theory: Yada yada everyone knows the definition..

Supporting evidence: No idea.

Evidence Against: no clue.

Motivated Forgetting, same deal.

Decay theory.

Evidence Against: We can sometimes have vivid memories of personal experiences of events, that we have not thought of since or for a very long time. Showing that the 'memory trace' has not faded from disuse.

Evidence for: no clue.

[nemolala]

well for the limitations of retrieval failure:
- may be no evidence that the memory was encoded or stored in LTM in the first place. consolidation may not have completed so memory may not have been formed.

-its not possible to know whether or not cues that are given even relate to that specific memory  as everybody's semantic memory is different for each concept.

-its also virtually impossible to scientifically test for the retrieval failure theory.


hold on i done a extended response question on this i will copy it

[nemolala]

‘Briefly outline the theories of forgetting and any criticism related to these theories’
•   The four theories of forgetting include the retrieval failure theory, interference theory, motivated forgetting and decay theory.
•   Retrieval failure:
•   The retrieval failure theory proposes that forgetting occurs because the correct retrieval cue needed to trigger that memory or information is not used.
•   There are, however, a few criticisms directed towards this theory which include:
•    Criticised on how there may be no evidence that memory had ever been encoded or stored in LTM in the first place, (pseudo forgetting).
•   Consolidation may not have been completed hence memory trace may not have formed.
•   it is also not possible to know whether the suggested cues relate to that specific memory as everyone’s semantic memory is different  for each concept.
•    Scientifically it is almost impossible to test for retrieval failure of forgetting. 
•   Interference theory:
•   The interference theory suggests that forgetting information from your long term memory occurs because other memories interfere with what we are trying to remember, especially if the information is relatively alike and was learnt at around similar time.
•   The two types of interferences are proactive and retroactive interference.
•   Retroactive interference occurs when new information interferes with your ability to remember old information and proactive interference happens when old memories interferes with your ability to remember new information.
•   Researchers criticise this theory on the basis that when experimental research on interference was conducted, these laboratory experiments tended to use tests of recall which is more prone to interference than meaningful information.
•   Meaningful information is encoded better and utilises semantic memory compared to recall of a word list.   
•   Motivated forgetting:
•   Motivated forgetting occurs as a result of a strong desire/motive to forget certain memories, either consciously or unconsciously doing so often because the memories of these experiences are too upsetting to remember.
•   The two types of motivated forgetting are suppression and repression.
•   Suppression is consciously making an effort to block out these painful memories and keep them out from entering our conscious awareness.
•   Repression involves unconsciously blocking the unpleasant memory from entering our conscious awareness.
•   Motivated forgetting has been said to be of limited value as it applies to certain, specific experiences.
•   Repression has been criticised as a controversial theory due to its application through child abuse cases.
•   Some memories of abuse have been repressed only til the point where something occurs in their lives that triggers the memory back to conscious awareness.
•   Evidence of repression may result from suggestive therapy. This created doubt regarding the recovered memories, whether they are real or patient was made to believe the occurrence of the event by suggestions made by therapist during hypnosis or other techniques used during therapy.
•   The controversy continues as there is a lack of experimental research to challenge or support Freud’s theory and ethical concerns also prevent further research from occurring. 
•   Decay theory:
•   According to the decay theory, forgetting takes place as a result of the memory fading away through disuse of this memory, unless memory is reactivated and used occasionally.
•   Also as time passes by, it can contribute forgetting memories.
•   Research has not shown that memories simply decay from disuse over time.
•   If memory trace simply decays over time through disuse, then using the right retrieval cues presumably will not have its effects of triggering that memory because it is now decayed.
•   Hence, this theory doesn’t explain why there can be a sudden recollection of memories when the correct retrieval cue is used.
•   For example, elderly people can recall certain memories if the correct retrieval cue is used, despite memory are not constantly retrieved over the years.
•   Thus forgetting doesn’t basically occur on the grounds of a fading memory trace, but also due to other causes such as the use of wrong retrieval cues and interferences.

[nemolala]

omg if you can be bothered reading all that

[Camo]

I just made a poster with what they are each, what forgetting is, and two strengths and weaknesses

[izzykose]

I did and it is very good, i wonder how you found out all those examples; did it require extra research?

Anyways, thanks for your help. ..

[izzykose]

Uh.. you should tell me what you think some strengths and weaknesses are

Cos that would be awesome.

[nemolala]

lol kinda confused...who ?