2.7 Forgetting and Other Memory Challenges

Explain possible reasons why memory failure or errors may occur.

• The forgetting curve shows that time is a significant factor in forgetting. Forgetting occurs rapidly after initial learning and levels off over time.
• Many memories are difficult to retrieve due to encoding failure, interference (proactive or retroactive), or inadequate retrieval (i.e., tip-ofthe-tongue phenomenon).
• Psychodynamic theorists believe that information or memories can be forgotten to defend the ego from distress (repression).
• The accuracy of memories may be affected by the misinformation effect, source amnesia, or constructive memory (via memory consolidation and imagination inflation).