According to decay theory, why do memories fade?
A)There is a limited amount of storage available for long-term memories, so older memories must decay and make room for new memories.
B)The cerebellum cannot hold on to information long-term.
C)Synaptic connections become broken.
D)A neurochemical memory trace disintegrates over time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Decay theory proposes that memories fade due to the disintegration of the neurochemical memory trace over time. As time passes, the synaptic connections that were strengthened during the formation of a memory may weaken or become broken, leading to forgetting. Eventually, if the memory trace is not strengthened through retrieval and rehearsal, it may completely decay and be lost.

According to Decay Theory, Why Do Memories Fade