Question

question 11

not remembering a persons name because you didnt think it was important to do so is an example of ______.

• retrieval failure
• encoding failure
• decay
• repression

Explanation:

Analyze the scenario

The scenario describes not remembering a person's name because you did not think it was important to do so. This means you never actively paid attention to or processed the name to store it in long-term memory in the first place.

Evaluate the options

Using the Memory Encoding Factors knowledge point:

• Encoding failure occurs when information is never properly processed and stored into long-term memory, often due to a lack of attention or perceived importance. This directly matches the scenario.

Using the Retrieval Failure knowledge point:

• Retrieval failure refers to the inability to access information that has been successfully stored in long-term memory (e.g., the "tip-of-the-tongue" phenomenon).

Using the Decay Theory knowledge point:

• Decay suggests that physical memory traces fade over time if they are not accessed or rehearsed.

• Repression is a defense mechanism where painful or traumatic memories are pushed out of conscious awareness.

Select the correct term

Because the name was never encoded due to a lack of attention/importance, the correct term is encoding failure.

Answer:

• retrieval failure
• encoding failure (Correct answer)
• decay
• repression