Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What does the Decay of Memory Theory suggest about information held in memory?

1. It can be retrieved anytime.

2. It fades over time.

3. It is easily reinforced.

4. It is permanently stored.

The correct answer is: It fades over time.

The Decay of Memory Theory posits that information held in memory is not static; instead, it tends to diminish or fade over time if it is not actively rehearsed or recalled. This theory highlights how memories can deteriorate, leading to a decline in memory retention as the interval between learning and retrieval increases. Essentially, if individuals do not engage with the information, the neural pathways associated with that memory can weaken, making it more difficult to access the information later on. In contrast, the other options do not align with the principles of this theory. The idea that memories can be retrieved anytime suggests an unchanging quality to those memories, which goes against the concept of decay. The notion of information being easily reinforced assumes an ongoing engagement with the memory, which is not guaranteed. Lastly, the proposition that information is permanently stored contradicts the essence of the decay theory, as it emphasizes the impermanence and vulnerability of memories over time.