Memory: Explanations for Forgetting | AQA A-Level Psychology

There are numerous factors that contribute to forgetting in memory:

1. Interference: When newly acquired information clashes with or disrupts existing information, it can create interference, making it challenging to retrieve information from memory.

2. Decay: Memories naturally diminish over time, becoming less accessible, which results in forgetting.

3. Retrieval Failure: In instances where individuals are unable to retrieve information from memory, it may be attributed to a retrieval failure, such as the inability to recall specific details from a past event.

4. Motivated Forgetting: Individuals may consciously or unconsciously suppress or forget information that is emotionally distressing or conflicts with their self-perception.

5. Context-Dependent Forgetting: Changes in environmental or situational context from when information was initially learned can hinder the ability to recall that information.

These represent only a selection of the explanations for forgetting. By comprehending these mechanisms, we can enhance our memory retention and decrease the likelihood of forgetting crucial information.