Group# 09

Cognative Psychology

Group members: Syeda Shehreen Zara 22365-C

Hira Farooq 21348-C
Kainat Shezadi 20877-C
Rimsha Saneed 21000-C
Maira Chaudhary 21509-C
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 02
Recall vs
Introduction
Recognition

Techniques to
03 04
Theories of
forgetting improve memory
 Recall vs
Recognation
Remember or Forget: The Battle Between
Recall and Recognition
 INTRODUCTION
Recall and recognition are two cognitive
processes that are essential for human
memory. Recall involves retrieving
information from memory without any
external cues, while recognition involves
identifying previously learned
information when presented with a cue.
 Recall
● Recall is often described as the ability to 'pull'
information from memory. This process can be either
voluntary or involuntary, and it usually requires a
significant amount of effort and concentration.

● Recall is commonly used in situations where there

are no external cues available to prompt memory
retrieval. For example, recalling a phone number
from memory requires an individual to actively
search their memory banks for the correct sequence
of digits.
 Recoginition
● Recognition involves identifying previously
learned information when presented with a
cue or prompt. This process is typically much
easier and faster than recall because it relies
on external stimuli to trigger memory
retrieval.

● Recognition is commonly used in situations

where there are external cues available to
prompt memory retrieval..
Mechanisms of Recall and
Recognition
The mechanisms underlying recall and
recognition are different. Recall requires
the activation of specific neural pathways
in the brain to retrieve information from
memory, while recognition requires the
comparison of external stimuli to stored
memory representations.
 Theories of forgetting
Forgetting is a natural process that
occurs when we fail to retain information
or memories. Theories of forgetting
attempt to explain why and how this
happens.
One of the earliest theories of forgetting
was proposed by Hermann Ebbinghaus
in the late 19th century. He suggested
that forgetting occurs due to the decay
of memory over time, unless it is
reinforced through repetition.
 Interference Theory
● Interference theory suggests that forgetting
occurs when new information interferes with
the retrieval of old information.

● There are two types of interference:

proactive interference, which occurs when
old information interferes with new
information, and retroactive interference,
which occurs when new information
interferes with old information.
 Repression Theory
Repression theory suggests that
forgetting occurs when traumatic or
unpleasant memories are repressed or
pushed into the unconscious mind. This is
thought to be a defense mechanism to
protect the individual from emotional
pain.
 Motivated Forgetting Theory
● Motivated forgetting theory suggests that
forgetting occurs when we actively try to
suppress or forget information that is
emotionally uncomfortable or threatening.

● Research has shown that motivated

forgetting can be influenced by factors
such as mood, personality, and the
perceived importance of the information
being forgotten. a
 Retrieval Failure Theory
● Retrieval failure forgetting theory
suggests that forgetting occurs when
we are unable to retrieve information
because the cues or contextual
information present at the time of
encoding are not available at the time
of retrieval.

● This theory has important implications

for studying and test-taking
 Neurobiological Theories of Forgetting

● Neurobiological theories of forgetting

suggest that forgetting occurs due to
changes in the brain's neural networks
and synaptic connections.

● These changes can be caused by

factors such as aging, disease, and
injury.
 Decay Forgetting Theory

● Decay forgetting theory suggests that

forgetting occurs due to the natural decay
or weakening of memory traces over time.

● According to this theory, memories that

are not reinforced or retrieved gradually
fade away and become more difficult to
retrieve as time passes.
 Encoding Failure Theory
• Encoding failure theory proposes that forgetting occurs
because of a failure to effectively encode or process
information into memory.
• Forgetting happens when information is not properly
attended to, encoded, or organized during the initial
learning phase.
• The quality of encoding plays a critical role in later
retrieval, and if information is not sufficiently processed
during encoding, it is more likely to be forgotten.
 techniques to improve memory

● Chunking: Breaking down information into smaller,

meaningful chunks can make it easier to remember
and recall. Grouping related items together allows
the brain to process and store information more
efficiently.
 techniques to improve memory

● Mnemonic devices: Using mnemonic

techniques, such as acronyms,
visualization, or creating memorable
associations, can enhance memory
retrieval. These devices provide
mental hooks or cues that facilitate
the recall of information.
 techniques to improve memory
● Spaced repetition: Distributing study or
practice sessions over time, with
intervals of rest in between, improves
memory retention. This technique takes
advantage of the spacing effect, which
suggests that information is better
retained when it is revisited multiple
times at spaced intervals.
 techniques to improve memory
● Mindfulness and attention: Paying
attention and being fully present during
the encoding process can improve
memory. Mindfulness techniques, such
as focusing on the present moment and
minimizing distractions, promote better
encoding and retention of information.
 techniques to improve memory
● Retrieval practice: Actively recalling
information from memory through
practice quizzes or self-testing
strengthens memory retrieval pathways.
The act of retrieval itself helps reinforce
and consolidate memories, making them
more accessible in the future.