Forgetting in an Association Memory
Abstract
A model of association memory, the EPAM (Elementary Perceiver and Memorizer) system is a learning system, a computer simulation of human verbal learning processes. No stored information in this memory is ever physically destroyed. Yet the behavior which we normally call forgetting occurs because of a loss of access (temporary or permanent) to information stored in a growing net of associations. In this system, forgetting occurs as a direct consequence of normal learning processes (i.e., forgetting is the result of the interference of items later learned with items learned earlier) without the postulation of a separate mechanism. Two experiments with human verbal learning are discussed, and the interference phenomena are explained in terms of the EPAM model.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 24, 1961
- Accession Number
- ADA484029
Entities
People
- Edward A. Feigenbaum
- Herbert Simon
Organizations
- RAND Corporation