Memory Decay and Interference

RUNNING HEAD: Psychology 0
Psychology

Psychology 1
The major reason why people forget is that they understand things but do not
remember it. The problem with the memory includes is knowing something is stored but not
able to retrieving information. It is known as memory decay. The interference also leads to
forgetting something. The interference can be divided into two types, proactive and
retroactive. The proactive interference states to an old memory getting in the mode of
forming a new one (Gloede, Paulauskas and Gregg, 2017). This stage confuses old memories
with the new memories. The retroactive interference means interference of new information
with the recalling older information. It affects the ability to recall lists even after the short
span of time. A person remembers the name of someone just met. Add on, failure to store
information also leads to forgetting (Ngnoumen & Langer, 2015). Multitasking also plays a
great role in memory failure. It also increases the time required to complete each task.
Forgetting can be prevented by the following:
 A to-do list can be prepared to remember the things. It prevents forgetting things.
 The use of daily planning applications is effective in storing things which are tending
to forget.
 The multitasking should be stopped and one task should be focused at a time. A
person will be able to work faster.
 Repeat what someone says back. It helps in confirming what other person said. It also
realizes to the other person at the front.
 Take a closer look and make efforts to take in the smaller details. It helps to
remember along with a better understanding of things.

Psychology 2
References
Gloede, M.E., Paulauskas, E.E. and Gregg, M.K., 2017. Experience and information loss in
auditory and visual memory. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 70(7),
pp.1344-1352.
Ngnoumen, C., & Langer, E. (2015). The Psychology of Possibilities: Extending the Limits
of Human Functioning. In Promoting Psychological Well-Being in Children and
Families(pp. 296-308). Palgrave Macmillan, London.