AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The term “decay theory” was first coined by Edward Thorndike in his book The Psychology of Learning in 1914. This simply states that if a person does not access and use the memory representation they have formed the memory trace will fade or decay over time.

Detailed explanation-2: -The trace-decay theory states that a memory will fade away or disappear with the passage of time. According to this theory, a memory trace is created every time a new memory is formed. This trace reinforces connections that assist in retaining the new memory in the brain.

Detailed explanation-3: -However, most vivid details of sensory memory seem to fade quickly. Based on a long history of research, this chapter examines defining characteristics of sensory memory, reasons to study it, techniques to examine it, and theories of sensory memory forgetting.

Detailed explanation-4: -Short-term memory (STM) refers to systems which provide retention of limited amounts of material for a limited time period (seconds). Most investigated systems include Phonological, Spatial, and Visual STM, while STM storage exists also in other domains, as the somatosensory system.

Detailed explanation-5: -Rehearsal, or mentally going over a memory, can slow this process. But disuse of a trace will lead to memory decay, which will ultimately cause retrieval failure. This process begins almost immediately if the information is not used: for example, sometimes we forget a person’s name even though we have just met them.