Examples to be aware of include forgetting names, not being able to correctly “place a person,” repetitive checking behaviors, déjà vu, and the feeling of knowing but being unable to fully recall some information. In addition, be aware of tip-of-the-tongue incidents, forgetting plans or appointments, forgetting dreams or childhood experiences, and forgetting places or routes.

Write down four examples and answer the following information: ( The examples can be made up )

1. The situation in which the forgetting occurred (what were you doing).

2. Your emotional state at the time of the forgetting (your mood).

3. Cognitive distractions at the time of the forgetting.

4. How do you know that you forgot? When did you realize that you forgot the information?

Now analyze the information by answering the following questions:

1. How did you originally attempt to encode the information? Did you use rehearsal? Did you use shallow, intermediate, or deep processing? Did you use elaboration? Did you attempt to organize the information? Explain.

2. Do you think the serial position effect caused you to forget? Why or why not?

3. Did proactive or retroactive interference cause you to forget? Explain.

4. Could your mood at the time of encoding have caused you to forget? Explain.

5. How focused was your attention at the time you encoded the information? Were there significant distractions in the environment or shortly after?

Based on your answers to the questions, write your best explanation as to why you forgot.