The Science of Forgetting

The video explores why people forget information, based on research by Elizabeth Loftus. It covers four main theories: retrieval failure, interference, failure to store, and motivated forgetting. Retrieval failure, or decay theory, suggests memory traces fade over time, though research shows unrehearsed memories can remain stable. Interference theory posits that similar memories compete, causing forgetting. Failure to store occurs when information never reaches long-term memory, as shown in a penny recognition experiment. Motivated forgetting involves actively forgetting traumatic events, with suppression being conscious and repression unconscious. The video also notes that excessive stress can alter brain function.

What are the four major reasons for forgetting according to Elizabeth Loftus?

• Retrieval failure, interference, failure to store, and motivated forgetting

• Interference, decay, suppression, and repression

• Failure to store, retrieval success, interference, and memory loss

• Motivated forgetting, memory loss, retrieval success, and interference

Which theory suggests that some memories compete and interfere with others?

• Interference theory

• Failure to store

• Decay theory

• Motivated forgetting

What does the failure to store theory suggest about memory?

• Memories are lost over time

• Memories never made it to long-term storage

• Memories are actively forgotten

• Memories interfere with each other

What is the difference between suppression and repression in motivated forgetting?

• Suppression is conscious, repression is unconscious

• Both are conscious processes

• Suppression is unconscious, repression is conscious

• Both are unconscious processes

How does excessive stress affect the brain according to the video?

• It improves memory storage

• It enhances memory recall

• It alters brain cells, structure, and function

• It has no effect on the brain