Instructions are attached
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Respond to at least two (2) peers
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APA format in-text citations and references
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200 word minimum each response
Peer: Aubree
Throughout life, we all learn new things based on what we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. It is through this information that we begin to develop memories of learned actions, behaviors, feelings, and events. When an individual experiences something, that information goes through a process called memory consolidation. It is this process that allows an immediate scenario to turn into a short- or long-term memory. Once this memory has been stored, it is not guaranteed to last forever. Forgetting is when an individual can no longer remember the whole or part of a scenario. Our book mentions that there are three key methods by which memories are forgotten. These methods include trace decay, interference, and retrieval failure. Trace decay is when a memory fades over time. Interference is when you are attempting to learn target information, but this learning is interrupted by conflicting information either before (proactive interference) or after (retroactive interference) learning the targeted information. Lastly, retrieval failure is when information is learned, but the information is not able to be recalled in the moment when it is needed (Bouton, 2018, Davis & Zhong, 2017; Miller & Matzel, 2006).
In terms of the most functional method of forgetting, it is hard to say for sure which one is the most functional. If we are looking at it from a standpoint that allows maximum retained memory, I would have to say that trace decay might be the best. While this decay could happen early on (short-term memory), I tend to think of losing memories across a greater span of time. For example, when a person is younger, they will develop memories around school, friends, family, likes, dislikes, and so much more. As the person ages, let’s say to 80, some, if not many, of those memories will fade. This is especially true in dementia and Alzheimer patients. As their disease progresses, they begin to forget more and more information. On the other hand, if we are looking at the method of forgetting that causes the most memories lost, I would have to say it is interference. Throughout and entire day, week, year, and lifetime, we are constantly exposed to multiple things at the same time and sometimes attempt to do multiple things at once (multitasking). This could be listening to music while driving, watching a TV show while scrolling through social media, or talking to others while attempting to study for an exam. When a person is engaging in more than one activity or is exposed to more than one conflicting scenario in a short period of time, it is likely that memories will be altered or lost altogether.
References
Bouton, M. E. (2018).
Learning and behavior: A contemporary synthesis (2nd ed.). Sinauer Associates.
Davis, R. L., & Zhong, Y. (2017a). The biology of forgetting—a perspective.
Neuron,
95(3), 490–503.
Links to an external site.
Miller, R. R., & Matzel, L. D. (2006). Retrieval failure versus memory loss in experimental amnesia: Definitions and processes.
Learning & Memory,
13(5), 491–497.
Peer 2: Maya
The three mechanisms of forgetting include trace decay, interference, and retrieval failure. Trace decay involves memories fading away, but Bouton (2018) mentioned that our memories aren’t entirely forgotten since we can trigger them back with small reminders. Regarding interference, Bouton (2018) highlights proactive interference and retroactive interference. Proactive interference was described as having more than one set of information and having information learning interfere before the teaching begins. Retroactive was the opposite of that. Retrieval failure involves not finding a memory because we don’t know where to look (Bouton, 2018).
Out of the three mechanisms, interference is the most functional. Throughout our lives, we are learning different things and building new memories. This means we are processing vast information simultaneously, which could involve interference. Retroactive interference reminds me of recency learning, one of the laws of learning. People tend to remember what they learned last when it comes to recency learning. This is an experience we deal with the most in our lives since new events are always fresh in our minds. For example, we meet different people each day. As the days and months continue, I will start to forget what the person who bought my coffee was wearing. We experience interference daily, which means it is the most functional of the three mechanisms.
References
Bouton, M. E. (2018). Learning and behavior: A contemporary synthesis (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
