Decay Theory, Interference Theory and Declarative Memory - Assignment Example

The concept of interference theory defines that the conduction of interference in human thinking or memory takes place when the recall of any event is inhibited due to the incursion of conducting present practices (Morris & Gruneberg, 2006). According to the concept of cognitive psychology, there are two sorts of interferences i.e. proactive interference and retroactive interference. Proactive interference takes place when an individual is unable to learn about any action or activity because of his/her early education. Conversely, retroactive interference in the human mind occurs when the previously learned activity or function is deteriorated due to the learning of new events (Turner & Engle, 1989).

Concerning the above discussion about decay and interference theory, it can be affirmed that both concepts are likely to explore the nature of forgetting the conduct of any activity by an individual. The theory of interference can be supported as it tends to explore adequate aspects regarding why people generally are unable to recall certain previously done activities or events. This can be due to the practice of learning new things. Thus, it can be affirmed that the findings of the above discussion are quite convincing.

Discussion 2

Explicit or Declarative Memory
Explicit or declarative memory can be defined as an intentional recollection process of past experiences of an individual concerning the conduct of any task or action. This type of memory is generally classified into two categories such as semantic memory and episodic memory (Anderson, 2009).

Semantic: This memory generally refers to factual knowledge and information which is shared with any individual (Anderson, 2009). Memories of recalling several aspects like various food types, traditional or social customs, and capital cities of nations are its few instances.
Episodic Memory: This type of memory represents specific experiences or events from which an individual can restructure the actual events that have taken place. For example, the experience regarding a visit to any particular place can be related to this memory (Anderson, 2009).

Implicit or Non-Declarative Memory
Implicit or non-declarative memory can be termed as a type of memory in which past experiences of an individual support them to perform any activity or event without having awareness or consciousness of his/her previous experiences. It incorporates certain aspects such as procedural skills, priming, conditioning, and non-associative factors (Squire, 2007).

Procedural Skills: Cognitive or perceptual skills such as making a toast are the major is one of the examples of procedural skills.
Priming: It generally represents the prime experience of an individual regarding any knowledge, activity, or event. For example, if it is asked to identify the name of a fruit starting with the letter “A”, “Apple” generally appears in our mind rather than other fruit names like Almonds or Apricots.
Conditioning: It is the process of obtaining valuable information through which the brain of an individual tends to indicate his/her body to respond accordingly. For example, the physical reaction of ringing the bell to call any individual can be an instance of conditioning.

Non-Associative Learning: It generally represents the sensitization along with the habituation of an individual towards any event or activity performed. For instance, the physical feeling concerning the sense of smelling and responding towards any action such as cutting a body can be associated with non-associative learning (Squire, 2007).
Conversely, sensory memory which cannot be viewed in the list is quite dissimilar from the above-discussed different sorts of memories. One of the differences is that it possesses a unique facet of memory recall time which enables individuals to acquire appropriate information (Darwin, Turvey, & Crowder, 1972). Read More