Ebbinghaus Curve in AP Psychology

Definition

The Ebbinghaus Curve, also known as the forgetting curve, is a mathematical formula that describes the rate at which information is forgotten after it is initially learned. It shows that memory retention decreases over time if there's no attempt to retain it.

Related terms

Hermann Ebbinghaus:

Hermann Ebbinghaus was a German psychologist who pioneered in memory studies. He introduced techniques for quantitative measurement of mental processes and developed influential theories about learning and forgetting curves.

Spacing Effect:

The phenomenon where learning is greater when studying is spread out over time, as opposed to studying the same amount of content in a single session.

Recency Effect:

The tendency to remember more recent information better than earlier information.