forgetting curve
Retention fades over time
The forgetting curve is a graph showing how memory retention declines over time after learning.
Without reinforcement, most forgetting happens rapidly in the first hours or days, then levels off.
The concept, from 19th-century psychology experiments, underlies spaced repetition learning techniques: The forgetting curve shows why cramming doesn't work for long-term retention.
- retrievalAct of getting back
- long-term memoryStored knowledge over time
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- flashcardsPaper memorization tools
- hippocampusMemory formation region
mnemonics · brain training · time intervals · exponential · savings · recall · retention rate · memory decay · interleaving · storage · cognitive load · trace · use it or lose it · cramming · amnesia · slip · practice · study habits
forgetting curveeidetic memory
Flawless detailed instant recall
total recall · photographic memory · unforgettable · flashbulb memory