Chapter 12 Suggested Answers
Review 12.1
1 Forgetting is the inability to remember, or the inability to access information that has
been stored.
2 Declarative memory is measured by recall (ability to recall information from
memory, e.g. short answer test) or recognition (ability to recognise information from
a set of data, e.g. multi-choice test).
3 Availability of a memory trace refers to whether material is stored in memory or
not–if not stored it is not available. Accessibility refers to the ability to retrieve
information at a particular time–it may be stored and available, but just not
accessible at the moment!
4 LTM is not always accurate. It can be prone to errors and bias due to factors such as
emotion and arousal.
Investigate 12.1
Student activity
Review 12.2
1 Retrieval failure theory is also known as cue-dependent forgetting.
2 State-dependent cues are those cues that can trigger a memory about an emotional
state. For example, hearing a song on the radio that reminds you of breaking up with
your boyfriend (and therefore feeling upset). Context-dependent cues are those cues
from the environment that can trigger a memory. For example, walking past a
bakery and smelling fresh bread might remind you of baking bread with your
grandparent when a child.
3 TOT is when we are unable to retrieve information at the time we need it, even
though we know we do have the information stored. We can often recall certain
details about the word we are trying to retrieve (such as letter it starts with, or
number of letters) but not the exact word. It is thought this occurs because of either
retrieval failure theory (due to inadequate retrieval cues) or interference theory
(information is blocked by similar material).
Oxford Psychology Units 3 & 4
ISBN 978 0 19 556717 5 © Oxford University Press Australia
Review 12.3
1 Repressed memory was proposed by Sigmund Freud, and based upon his theory of
psychoanalysis. He suggested that repression of distressing memories prevented
them from coming into our consciousness.
2 Suppression is a conscious attempt to push memories that are hurtful or distressing
into the back of our mind, but we know they are there. Repression is an unconscious
action where painful memories are pushed into a part of the mind where it is not
accessible. The person is unaware these memories exist.
Review 12.4
Questions 1 & 2 relate to the following table: Theories of Forgetting
Theory of
forgetting
Definition
Key elements
Retrieval
failure theory
When we are unable to
access information when we
need it due to inadequate
cues; also known as cue
dependent forgetting.
Information is not
lost, but accessibility
is lost.
We can still forget
information, even with
correct cues.
Interference
theory
When we have difficulty
retrieving information
because of the similarity of
material learnt previously
(proactive interference) or
since (retroactive
interference).
Information
competes for
accurate encoding
and storage of
material.
Experimental studies have
used tests of recall, which
are particularly prone to
interference; does not
relate to all types of
memory.
Decay theory
Suggests memory traces
fade over time if not used.
Physiological cause
(decay of neurons/
synapses leading to
loss of
communication
between them).
Does not account for
sudden recollection of
memories or for memories
that can be recalled
following a long period of
not being used.
Motivated
forgetting
When memories are
difficult to retrieve because
they are painful. May be
suppressed (conscious) or
repressed (unconscious).
Psychological
process that occurs
when we have a
reason to forget.
Memory recall can be
influenced and changed by
misinformation, so
recalled memories may not
be correct; lack of
experimental research to
support Freud’s theory.
Oxford Psychology Units 3 & 4
Criticisms
ISBN 978 0 19 556717 5 © Oxford University Press Australia
Investigate 12.2
Student activity
Test your Understanding
1
a
2
d
3
b
4
b
5
a
6
d
7
d
8
c
9
a
10 c
11 a
12 d
13 d
14 a
15 Psychology followed by Australian History; English followed by Biology
16 Interference
17 Retroactive interference
18 Encoding; stored
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Repression
Lack of attention and material, therefore not encoded
Interference
Suppression
Interference
Suppression
Never having learned the information (due to lack of attention)
Oxford Psychology Units 3 & 4
ISBN 978 0 19 556717 5 © Oxford University Press Australia