7 Sins of Memory1. Transience

Rapid loss of memory over short periods of time

DecayFailure of information to be transferred into long-term memory

7 Sins of Memory2. Absentmindedness

Memory loss from failure to pay attention

Encoding breakdown that prevents information from becoming represented in short-term memory

7 Sins of Memory3. Blocking

Inability to remember needed information, such as failing to recall the name of a person you have just encountered

Inability to retrieve information from long-term memory

7 Sins of Memory4. Misattribution

Assigning a memory to the wrong source, such as falsely thinking that the events in a dream have taken place

Retrieval of incorrect information

7 Sins of Memory5. Suggestibility

Developing false memories for events that did not occur due to exposure to misleading information

Encoded information becomes integrated with stored information

7 Sins of Memory6. Bias

Influence of current beliefs or feelings on our reconstruction of the past

Retrieval of information from long-term memory is biased by our current thoughts and feelings

7 Sins of Memory7. Persistence

Memory intrusionThe imposition of unwanted or disturbing memories that we would like to forget, such as repeatedly remembering an event that caused us shame

Uncontrollable retrievalPost-traumatic stress disorder