Memory Loss |
What is Decay theory?
This is Edward Thorndike.
He coined the term “decay theory” when he wrote an extremely fun-sounding book titled The Psychology of Learning a century ago.
The decay theory suggested that memories would automatically fade over time, especially if they weren't reactivated in a while.
Memory loss usually isn't just attributed to the decay theory; other processes are also taken into account (genetic inheritance, trauma to the brain, etc.). The decay theory focuses on time and the limited duration of short-term memory. The theory suggests that short-term memory can only hold information up to about 15-30 seconds unless it is rehearsed. After this time, the trace /information fades away.
Though the decay theory can't really be proved and explained as a mechanism, many believe that the passage of time leads to forgetting because our neurons gradually die over time.
Problems with the Decay Theory
One problem with the decay theory of forgetting is that we do not know whether the inability to recall something means that it is no long in our memory, or that it reflects retrieval failure. Perhaps it is still there but we cannot retrieve the memory for some reason.
It is just a theory... What do you think?
Trace decay theory focuses on time and the limited duration of short term memory.
Memory loss usually isn't just attributed to the decay theory; other processes are also taken into account (genetic inheritance, trauma to the brain, etc.)
Though the decay theory can't really be proved and explained as a mechanism, many believe that the passage of time leads to forgetting because our neurons gradually die over time.
Problems with the Decay Theory
One problem with the decay theory of forgetting is that we do not know whether the inability to recall something means that it is no long in our memory, or that it reflects retrieval failure. Perhaps it is still there but we cannot retrieve the memory for some reason.
It is just a theory... What do you think?
Trace decay theory focuses on time and the limited duration of short term memory.
Though the decay theory can't really be proved and explained as a mechanism, many believe that the passage of time leads to forgetting because our neurons gradually die over time.
Problems with the Decay Theory
One problem with the decay theory of forgetting is that we do not know whether the inability to recall something means that it is no long in our memory, or that it reflects retrieval failure. Perhaps it is still there but we cannot retrieve the memory for some reason.
It is just a theory... What do you think?
Trace decay theory focuses on time and the limited duration of short term memory.
Memory loss usually isn't just attributed to the decay theory; other processes are also taken into account (genetic inheritance, trauma to the brain, etc.)
Though the decay theory can't really be proved and explained as a mechanism, many believe that the passage of time leads to forgetting because our neurons gradually die over time.
Problems with the Decay Theory
One problem with the decay theory of forgetting is that we do not know whether the inability to recall something means that it is no long in our memory, or that it reflects retrieval failure. Perhaps it is still there but we cannot retrieve the memory for some reason.
It is just a theory... What do you think?
He coined the term “decay theory” when he wrote an extremely fun-sounding book titled The Psychology of Learning a century ago.
The decay theory suggested that memories would automatically fade over time, especially if they weren't reactivated in a while.
Memory loss usually isn't just attributed to the decay theory; other processes are also taken into account (genetic inheritance, trauma to the brain, etc.). The decay theory focuses on time and the limited duration of short-term memory. The theory suggests that short-term memory can only hold information up to about 15-30 seconds unless it is rehearsed. After this time, the trace /information fades away.
Though the decay theory can't really be proved and explained as a mechanism, many believe that the passage of time leads to forgetting because our neurons gradually die over time.
Problems with the Decay Theory
One problem with the decay theory of forgetting is that we do not know whether the inability to recall something means that it is no long in our memory, or that it reflects retrieval failure. Perhaps it is still there but we cannot retrieve the memory for some reason.
It is just a theory... What do you think?
Trace decay theory focuses on time and the limited duration of short term memory.
Memory loss usually isn't just attributed to the decay theory; other processes are also taken into account (genetic inheritance, trauma to the brain, etc.)
Though the decay theory can't really be proved and explained as a mechanism, many believe that the passage of time leads to forgetting because our neurons gradually die over time.
Problems with the Decay Theory
One problem with the decay theory of forgetting is that we do not know whether the inability to recall something means that it is no long in our memory, or that it reflects retrieval failure. Perhaps it is still there but we cannot retrieve the memory for some reason.
It is just a theory... What do you think?
Trace decay theory focuses on time and the limited duration of short term memory.
Though the decay theory can't really be proved and explained as a mechanism, many believe that the passage of time leads to forgetting because our neurons gradually die over time.
Problems with the Decay Theory
One problem with the decay theory of forgetting is that we do not know whether the inability to recall something means that it is no long in our memory, or that it reflects retrieval failure. Perhaps it is still there but we cannot retrieve the memory for some reason.
It is just a theory... What do you think?
Trace decay theory focuses on time and the limited duration of short term memory.
Memory loss usually isn't just attributed to the decay theory; other processes are also taken into account (genetic inheritance, trauma to the brain, etc.)
Though the decay theory can't really be proved and explained as a mechanism, many believe that the passage of time leads to forgetting because our neurons gradually die over time.
Problems with the Decay Theory
One problem with the decay theory of forgetting is that we do not know whether the inability to recall something means that it is no long in our memory, or that it reflects retrieval failure. Perhaps it is still there but we cannot retrieve the memory for some reason.
It is just a theory... What do you think?