Memory: Explanations for Forgetting | AQA A-Level Psychology

This topic quiz tests A-Level Psychology students' knowledge and understanding of memory.

Click here to access the quiz: Memory: Explanations for Forgetting | AQA A-Level Psychology

There are several explanations for forgetting in memory:

• Interference: When new information conflicts with or disrupts existing information, it can lead to interference and make it difficult to retrieve information from memory.
• Decay: Over time, memories fade and become less accessible, leading to forgetting.
• Retrieval Failure: When people are unable to access information from memory, it can be due to a retrieval failure, such as not being able to recall a particular detail from a past event.
• Motivated Forgetting: Sometimes people may intentionally or unintentionally forget information that is emotionally difficult or conflicts with their self-image.
• Context-dependent Forgetting: People may find it difficult to recall information if they are in a different context than when the information was originally learned.

These are just a few of the explanations for forgetting. Understanding these processes can help us improve our memory and reduce the likelihood of forgetting important information.