Other theories, however, suggest that memories remain in our brain; the problem is that we can’t retrieve them. For example, interference is a type of forgetting where one memory may “interfere” with and inhibit another. Proactive interference occurs when old memories prevent the retrieval of new memories, like when you learn the wrong lyrics to a song and keep getting the words wrong even after you’ve read the right lyrics later on. Inversely, retroactive interference occurs when newer information prevents you from retrieving older information from your memory. For example, if you change the password to your email account you may forget the old password. One method of trying to reverse proactive and retroactive interference could be through maintenance rehearsal, so you can consciously prioritize one memory over another or remember both through repetition.
Forgetting can also occur if we don’t receive the right cue to retrieve the memory. Cue-dependent forgetting is like a broken link between what triggers or leads to the memory (the cue) and the storage where the information is retained. These cues don’t necessarily have to be words: they could even be moods, states of consciousness or environmental triggers, as represented in the encoding specificity principle. One method of reducing cue-dependent forgetting could be through elaborative rehearsal, where you can commit new information to long-term memory by building several links with the information already there rather than depending on cues.
Memories can be unreliable due to the various forms of forgetting. Because forgetting creates a void or “gap” in our knowledge it can lead to highly inaccurate false memories that are more constructive than reconstructive, especially in the case of flashbulb memories. This is worse than the tabula rasa according to the decay theory, because disinformation is worse than no information, and can have dire consequences in the justice system. For example, Jennifer Thompson falsely accused Ronald Cotton of raping her because she was not provided with the photo of Bobby Poole, the real rapist, as the correct cue. After accusing Ronald Cotton she went through a process of retroactive interference where new memories about Cotton superseded the original memories to such an extent that she forgot (did not even recognize) the real rapist later on. Forgetting is a stark reminder of how unreliable our memory can be even when we feel fully confident in our recollections. We need to realize our own limitations before pointing the finger, a lesson learned through several punishments unfairly sentenced due to incorrect witness accounts.
References:
Doyle-Portillo, S. & Pastorino, E. (2011). What is
Psychology?: 3E. Belmont: Wadsworth. pp. 221-248
Eyewitness Testimony Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-SBTRLoPuo&feature=relatedEyewitness Testimony Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4V6aoYuDcg&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLFECA6E39853F4964
Re:
This is a great discussion! It definitely helps that you bolded the important concepts in the post because I was able to read through and make sure to understand these important concepts. I wish I had read through this before practicing the quiz, but I'm about to take this week's quiz again and your post will definitely help with several questions. Great use of your sources in developing your answer.