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Describe a theory of forgetting.
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Describe a theory of forgetting. The Trace Decay Theory of forgetting is one of a number of theories used by cognitive psychologists. Psychologists often argue over two beliefs regarding the nature of forgetting, namely Availability (i.e. forgotten information is not stored in the first place or is completely lost) and Accessibility (i.e. forgotten information is stored in the LTM, but there is a problem accessing it). The Trace Decay Theory is associated with the problem of availability. The logic behind this theory is that the things we learn (i.e. smells, names, places, telephone numbers) are stored in the brain as physical traces, or Engrams. A study by Hebb in 1949 led him to the conclusion that when an Engram is being formed, or when learning is taking place, it is very delicate and liable to disruption. In this state it is known as the Active Trace, and offers an explanation...
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