The document outlines various theories of forgetting according to Freudian theory, describing it as a defense mechanism that protects the conscious mind from unpleasant experiences. It categorizes forgetting into types such as natural, morbid, general, specific, physical, and psychological, and discusses factors affecting memory retrieval. Strategies for improving memory include fostering desire to learn, regular practice, active learning, and using techniques like rehearsal and rhythm.

1. PREPARED BY:
MS.AAKANKSHA BAJPAI
Nursing Lecturer
Rama University

2. According to Freudian theory, forgetting is
the defense mechanism of the mind. It
helps the conscious mind to defend itself
from the unpleasant and painful
experiences that might cause anxiety and
disturbances.

3. “forgetting is the loss, permanent or
temporary, of the ability to recall or
recognize something learned earlier.”
- Munn(1967)

4.  “forgetting means failure at any time to
recall an experience, when attempting to
do so or to perform an action previously
learned.”
- Drever(1952)

5. THEORIES OF
FORGETTING

6. 1. DECAY THEORY:
 When we learn something, a memory trace is
formed.
 This trace will gradually fade away if the
imprint is not reactivated.
 As individual ages, memory stores begin to
regenerate and lot of material is lost.

7. 2. INTERFERENCE THEORY:
 It is when learning of something new cause
forgetting of older material on the basis of
competition between two.
 It is of two types:
i. Retroactive inhibition
ii. Proactive inhibition

8. 3. REPRESSION THEORY:
 It is morbid forgetting of unpleasant
events.
 It is a mental process that automatically
hides, emotionally threatening or anxiety
producing information in the unconscious.

9. 4. Retrieval failure theory:
Also known as cue-dependent forgetting.
Cues that were present at the time of
learning or encoding are not present at the
time when one wants to retrieve it.

10. TYPES OF
FORGETTING

11.  Natural forgetting- forgetting occurs
with the lapse of time in a quite normal
way without any intention of forgetting on
the part of the individual
 Morbid or abnormal forgetting - in
morbid or abnormal forgetting one
deliberately tries to forget something
 General forgetfulness- suffers a total loss
in one’s recall of some previous learning

12. Specific forgetfulness - the individual
forgets only one or the other specific
parts of his earlier learning
Physical or organic forgetting - a
person loses his memory on account of
the factors of age, diseases, biological
malfunctioning of the brain and
nervous system, accidents,
consumption of liquor or other
intoxicating materials, etc

13.  Psychological forgetfulness- loss of
memory occurs on account of
psychological factors like stresses,
anxiety, conflicts, temper provocation,
lack of interest, aversion apathy,
repression or similar other emotional and
psychological problems.

14. IMPROVING
MEMORIES

15. Desire to learn: learning needs an active
volition, a receptive mood and a momentary
interest in the learning task before any success
can be anticipated.
Motive: education is power. The learner should
know the objective and output of learning.
Aimless learning gives rise to failure.
Regular practice: timely repetition of subject
matter helps to keep the experiences fresh and
active in mind.

16. Use of active method: learning may be active
or passive. Active learning is concerned by
learning by doing.
Rest & leisure: regular rest and leisure in
between study periods helps to overcome
fatigue and boredom, this helps to revitalize
the mind and body.
Proper understanding: only mechanical
method or blind imitation results in poor
results.

17. Practice of rehearsal & recitation: these are
the instruments in memorizing as they afford
an opportunity of self presentation and
presentation through other senses. When we
recite we use speech and hearing both.
Rehearsal gives a chance of self evaluation
and confidence in learning.
Use of Rhythm: it helps the learner to
memorize the learning materials effectively.

18. CONCLUSION

19. Though forgetting makes our daily life
troublesome yet their are ways by which
we can boost up our memory.