Cited by 225Memory Processes and InfluencesMemory and Neural MechanismsCognitive Functions and Memory

Single-trace fragility theory of memory dynamics

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Wickelgren, Wayne A.·1974·Memory & Cognition

Abstract

In single-trace fragility theory, forgetting is produced by two factors, time and interference. Memory traces are assumed to have two partially coupled dynamic properties, strength and fragility. Strength determines the probability of correct recall and recognition, while fragility determines the susceptibility of the trace to the time-decay process but not to the interference process. Consolidation is assumed to be a continual reduction in the fragility of the memory trace rather than any change in strength or availability. Decreasing fragility accounts for the continually decreasing forgetting rate, the temporal character of retrograde amnesia and recovery therefrom, and the type of internal clock necessary for nonassociative recency judgments. Data are presented to indicate that interference is independent of the interval between original and interpolated learning, that nonassociative recency discriminability approaches a limit at about 30 min, and that the decay rate of long-term retention in amnesic patients is the same as in normal Ss.

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  • Periodic exposure to the same material results in better retention than a single cramming session.

    “An extensive body of experimental work indicates that periodic exposure to the same material results in better retention than a single “cramming” session.”

    From Synaptic evidence for the efficacy of spaced learning (2012) · cites this paper as [4]

  • This idea accords with deficient processing and cue-variability theories of the distributed practice phenomenon.

    “This idea accords with deficient processing and cue-variability theories of the distributed practice phenomenon (4, 43, 44).”

    From Synaptic evidence for the efficacy of spaced learning (2012) · cites this paper as [4]

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  1. DEj..AY ( t IN SEC.) Fig. 2. Strength retention functions for recognition memory for normal Ss and for the amnesic patient H. M. interpolation and degree of interpolated learning. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1951, 42, 28-290.
  2. Milner, B. Amnesia following operation on the temporal lobes. In C. W. M. Whitty and O. L. Zangwill (Eds.), Amnesia. London: Butterworths, 1966.
  3. Russell, W. R. Brain, memory, learning. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1959.

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Authors
Wickelgren, W. A.
Affiliations
University of Oregon (US)
Corresponding author
Wickelgren, Wayne A.
Venue
Memory & Cognition
Published
1974-07
Volume
2
Issue
4
Pages
775-780
ISSN
  • 0090-502X (ISSN-L)
  • 1532-5946
OpenAlex
W1976895497
Cited by
224
References
17
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 13 · 2013: 15 · 2012: 9
FWCI
3.30
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Memory & Cognition (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Functions and Memory
Keywords
memory dynamics, forgetting, memory trace strength, time decay, interference, memory consolidation, retrograde amnesia, internal clock, long-term retention, recognition memory

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