The forgetting curve: the science of how fast we forget

The forgetting curve: the science of how fast we forget

We spend a lot of time reading and studying in the hope of acquiring new knowledge. However, most of us focus a lot more on learning rather than remembering. As a result, our mind is often a leaky bucket we keep on trying to fill, only for all of that new knowledge to soon disappear.

This is because knowledge does not only have a learning curve. It also has a forgetting curve. Hermann Ebbinghaus, a German psychologist, conducted a study from 1880 to 1885 to understand why we forget things and how to prevent it. He tried to commit words to memory and repeatedly tested himself after various time periods, recording the results.

The words he used were nonsense combinations of syllables, following a Consonant-Vowel-Consonant pattern. He then plotted the results on a graph, which is now known as the forgetting curve. The forgetting curve illustrates how information we learn is lost over time when we make no attempt to retain it. According to the curve, we tend to halve our memory of new knowledge in a matter of days or weeks unless we consciously review the material.

Ebbinghaus' study, although limited to one subject, was a significant contribution to the field of experimental psychology. It laid the foundation for further exploration of the forgetting curve. In 2015, a research team successfully reproduced the forgetting curve from Ebbinghaus' findings, validating the soundness of his results.

Knowing that we are likely to forget most of what we study without intentional efforts to retain information, how can we reduce our forgetting rate and remember more of what we learn?

One way to combat the forgetting curve is through spaced repetition. Instead of cramming information all at once, spacing out your study sessions over time can help reinforce your memory. By reviewing the material at increasing intervals, you can strengthen your memory and increase the chances of retaining the information in the long term.

Another effective strategy is active recall. Instead of simply re-reading or highlighting your notes, actively engage with the material by testing yourself. Quiz yourself on the key concepts or try to explain the information in your own words. This process of retrieval strengthens your memory and makes it easier to recall the information later on.

Lastly, interleaving is a technique that involves mixing up different topics or subjects during your study sessions. Instead of focusing on one subject for an extended period, switch between different topics. This approach forces your brain to make connections between different concepts, leading to a deeper understanding and better retention of the material.

In conclusion, the forgetting curve reminds us of the importance of actively reviewing and reinforcing our knowledge to prevent it from fading away. Through strategies like spaced repetition, active recall, and interleaving, we can improve our memory retention and enhance our learning experience. By being mindful of the forgetting curve and implementing these techniques, we can make the most out of our study efforts and remember more of what we learn.