Question 1: Explain why you might forget a friend's phone number after a few days.

Answer: You might forget because the information was not rehearsed or stored well, or because there was interference from other similar numbers. It could also be due to decay over time if the memory wasn't reinforced.

Question 2: Describe what is meant by 'retrieval failure' as an explanation for forgetting.

Answer: Retrieval failure occurs when the information is stored in memory but cannot be accessed at the moment, often because the right cues are not present.

Question 3: Give an example of how interference might cause someone to forget a word they learned recently.

Answer: If a person learns a new word that is similar to an older word they know, the old word might interfere with recalling the new word, making it harder to remember.

Question 4: What is decay theory, and how does it explain forgetting?

Answer: Decay theory suggests that memories fade over time if they are not used or rehearsed, because the physical traces of the memory in the brain weaken.

Question 5: Describe a situation where motivated forgetting might occur.

Answer: Motivated forgetting might happen if someone suppresses memories of a distressing event because they do not want to feel upset or anxious when thinking about it.

Question 6: Explain why it might be difficult to remember information after a long period without rehearsal.

Answer: Because of decay or interference, the neural connections weaken over time if the information is not actively rehearsed or revisited.

Question 7: Describe what happens in the process of retrieval failure and how cues can help overcome it.

Answer: Retrieval failure occurs when stored memories cannot be accessed without the right prompts. Providing specific cues or hints can trigger the memory and help retrieve the information.

Question 8: Draw a simple diagram or sketch illustrating how interference might affect memory retrieval. Label the key parts of your drawing.

Answer: A correct sketch would show two similar pieces of information, such as two words or names, and indicate how they can interfere with each other during recall, perhaps with arrows pointing to confusion or overlap.

Question 9: Sketch a diagram to show how decay might affect the strength of a memory over time.

Answer: A correct sketch would depict a graph with time on the x-axis and memory strength on the y-axis, showing a downward slope illustrating the weakening of memory over time.