Retrieval and forgetting

Objective: Explain retrieval cue and interference, distinguish their meanings, and apply them to a described case.

Retrieval cue: A retrieval cue helps access relevant stored information. Interference: Interference occurs when learning or memories compete with one another. Memory involves interacting processes rather than a literal recording device. Encoding quality, interference, retrieval cues, and later information can influence recall. Confidence and vividness do not ensure accuracy. Studying strategies should be assessed through later retention and transfer, not only how fluent a review feels. Retrieval practice and spacing can be helpful, while their implementation and effects depend on material, goals, and conditions. Application: A contextual hint helps recall a name. This most directly illustrates retrieval cue. A new password makes an older one harder to recall. This most directly illustrates interference.

Objective: Explain proactive interference and retroactive interference, distinguish their meanings, and apply them to a described case.

Proactive interference: Proactive interference occurs when earlier learning disrupts later recall. Retroactive interference: Retroactive interference occurs when later learning disrupts earlier recall. Memory involves interacting processes rather than a literal recording device. Encoding quality, interference, retrieval cues, and later information can influence recall. Confidence and vividness do not ensure accuracy. Studying strategies should be assessed through later retention and transfer, not only how fluent a review feels. Retrieval practice and spacing can be helpful, while their implementation and effects depend on material, goals, and conditions. Application: An old code intrudes while remembering a new code. This most directly illustrates proactive interference. A new list makes the earlier list harder to retrieve. This most directly illustrates retroactive interference.

Objective: Explain reconstructive memory and misinformation effect, distinguish their meanings, and apply them to a described case.

Reconstructive memory: Recall combines retained information with inference and context. Misinformation effect: Later misleading information can alter reports of a remembered event. Memory involves interacting processes rather than a literal recording device. Encoding quality, interference, retrieval cues, and later information can influence recall. Confidence and vividness do not ensure accuracy. Studying strategies should be assessed through later retention and transfer, not only how fluent a review feels. Retrieval practice and spacing can be helpful, while their implementation and effects depend on material, goals, and conditions. Application: A person fills an uncertain detail using expectations. This most directly illustrates reconstructive memory. A suggestive question influences a witness's later account. This most directly illustrates misinformation effect.