7.3 Forgetting and Memory Distortions

Memory isn't always reliable. Our brains can forget information through decay, interference, or motivated forgetting. These processes impact both short-term and long-term memories, affecting how we retain and recall information over time.

Our memories are also prone to distortions and biases. False memories, misinformation effects, and schema-based biases can alter our recollections. Understanding these phenomena helps us recognize the limitations of memory and its impact on everyday life.

Theories of Forgetting

Theories of forgetting

Top images from around the web for Theories of forgetting

• 

  Forgetting – General Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Process of Forgetting | Boundless Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Forgetting | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Forgetting – General Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Process of Forgetting | Boundless Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Theories of forgetting

• 

  Forgetting – General Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Process of Forgetting | Boundless Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Forgetting | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Forgetting – General Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Process of Forgetting | Boundless Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Decay Theory
  • Memory traces gradually fade over time without rehearsal or use
  • Applies primarily to short-term and sensory memory (echoic and iconic memory)
  • Explains why we forget phone numbers quickly after dialing
• Interference Theory
  • Proactive interference: Old information impedes learning of new information (Spanish vocabulary interfering with learning Italian)
  • Retroactive interference: New information hinders recall of old information (learning a new phone number makes it harder to remember the old one)
  • Occurs in both short-term and long-term memory, affecting various types of information
• Motivated Forgetting
  • Suppression: Conscious effort to forget unwanted memories (trying to forget an embarrassing moment)
  • Repression: Unconscious forgetting of traumatic or distressing memories (childhood abuse)
  • Freudian concept of defense mechanisms to protect the ego from anxiety

Memory Distortions and Biases

Memory distortion and false memories

• Memory distortion
  • Recalled information becomes altered or inaccurate over time
  • Can occur during encoding, storage, or retrieval stages of memory
  • Example: Remembering a childhood event differently from how it actually happened
• False memories
  • Implanted memories: Suggestion leads to believing in events that never occurred (alien abduction stories)
  • Confabulation: Unconsciously filling memory gaps with fabricated information (patients with Korsakoff's syndrome)
  • Déjà vu: Experiencing false familiarity with a new situation (feeling you've been to a place before when it's your first visit)
• Source monitoring errors
  • Misattributing the origin of remembered information
  • Example: Believing you read something in a textbook when you actually heard it from a friend

Misinformation effect on memory

• Misinformation effect
  • Post-event information gets incorporated into original memory
  • Alters recall of the initial event
  • Example: Witnesses' memories of a car accident changing after discussing it with others
• Eyewitness testimony
  • Highly susceptible to suggestion during questioning
  • Leading questions can significantly impact recall accuracy
  • Example: Asking "Did you see the broken headlight?" when there wasn't one
• Media influence
  • Exposure to inaccurate news reports can alter memories of events
  • Example: Misremembering details of a crime after watching dramatized TV shows
• Factors affecting misinformation susceptibility
  1. Time delay between event and misinformation introduction
  2. Confidence level in original memory
  3. Perceived credibility of misinformation source
  4. Individual differences in suggestibility

Schemas and memory bias

• Schemas
  • Mental frameworks organizing knowledge about concepts
  • Influence memory encoding and retrieval processes
  • Example: Restaurant schema helps remember typical dining experiences
• Schema-consistent memory bias
  • Enhanced recall for information fitting existing schemas
  • Difficulty remembering schema-inconsistent information
  • Example: Easily remembering typical office items but forgetting unusual objects
• Stereotypes
  • Generalized beliefs about groups or individuals affect memory
  • Impact perception and recall of social interactions
  • Example: Remembering an aggressive act by someone from a stereotypically "violent" group
• Confirmation bias
  • Tendency to seek and remember information confirming existing beliefs
  • Example: Political supporters remembering positive actions of their preferred candidate
• Memory reconstruction
  • Filling gaps with schema-consistent information during recall
  • Can lead to distortions in eyewitness accounts
  • Example: Assuming a robber had a weapon even if none was seen
• Cultural influences
  • Cultural schemas impact memory formation and recall
  • Example: Collectivist cultures may remember group achievements more than individual ones