Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mathematical model of memory trace and forgetfulness

  • Published:
Kybernetik Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A mathematical model of a memory trace and forgetfulness is proposed here based on an improved version of our previous work (Harth et al., 1970; Anninos et al., 1970). Thus it was shown that the trace of a stimulus pattern presented to a subject decays with time due to the interference theory which assumes that competition among different associations leads to losses of retention. Such interference theory has been tested in this model by assuming that the retention of a first learned item followed by the learning of other successive tasks, depends on the inhibitory effect induced by them on the first item.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Anninos, P. A.: Doctoral dissertation. Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York (1969). Publisher Univ. Microfilms, Ann Arbor, Michigan (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Anninos, P. A., Beek, B., Csermely, T. J., Harth, E. M., Pertile, G.: J. theor. Biol. 26, 121–148 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Bower, G. H.: A multicomponent theory of the memory trace. In: The psychology of learning and motivation, vol. I (K. W. Spence and J. T. Spence, eds.). New York: Academic Press 1967.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duncan, C. P.: J. comp. physiol. Psychol. 42, 32 (1949).

    Google Scholar 

  • Harth, E. M., Csermely, T. J., Beek, B., Lindsay, R. D.: J. theor. Biol. 26, 93–121 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Katchalsky, A., Oplatka, A.: Neurosciences Research Symposium Summaries, vol. 1 (F. O. Schmitt and T. Melnechuk, eds.). Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press 1969.

    Google Scholar 

  • Norman, D. A.: J. exp. Psychol. 72, 369–381 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • Norman, D. A.: Memory and decisions. Proceedings of Symposium on Memory and Attention. XVIII. Internat. Congr. of Psychology, Moscow (1966).

  • Spinelli, D. N.: Computer model for a content addressable memory in the central nervous system. In: Biology of memory (K. Pribram and D. Broadbent, eds.), p. 293–306. New York: Academic Press 1970.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waugh, N. C., Norman, D. A.: Psychol. Review 72, 89–104 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Waugh, N. C.: Primary and secondary memory in short-term retention. In: Biology of memory (K. Pribram and D. Broadbent, eds.), p. 63–66. New York: Academie Press 1970.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Biomathematics, Anatomy and the Mental Retardation Program, Neuropsychiatric Institute, University of California, 90024, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Photios A. Anninos

Authors
  1. Photios A. Anninos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

This research has been supported by NIH grants NS-8012 and NS-8498, and NSP grant GB-30498. Computation assistance was provided by the Health Sciences Computing Facility, UCLA, sponsored by NIH Special Research Resources grant RR-3.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Anninos, P.A. Mathematical model of memory trace and forgetfulness. Kybernetik 10, 165–167 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00290515

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00290515

Keywords

Search

Navigation