The curve shows the rate at which information is forgotten over time if no attempt is made to retain it; forgetting is rapid initially, then levels off.

Forgetting that arises from a strong desire to forget, usually because the experience is too disturbing or traumatic to remember.

We sometimes forget things on purpose, mostly unconsciously, to protect ourselves from painful or unacceptable memories.

Repeating information to improve memory.

Distributing study sessions over time for better retention.

Continuing to study material even after it is mastered.

Enhanced memory after retrieving information, rather than rereading it.

New information blocks the recall of old information.

Old information blocks the recall of new information.

Inability to recall past memories, especially recent ones.

Inability to form new memories after an event.

Inability to remember how you learned something; also called misattribution error.

Incorporating misleading information into one's memory of an event.

Unconsciously blocking unacceptable thoughts and feelings from conscious awareness.

Changing your password and then being unable to remember the old one.

Typing your old password when trying to use a new one.

Telling a joke you heard, but thinking you made it up yourself.

Eyewitnesses may remember events incorrectly due to leading questions or post-event information.

By spacing out study sessions, information is better retained, leading to improved recall during the exam.

By reviewing the material even after you think you know it, this makes it super resistant to forgetting, especially under stress.