Compare and contrast the four reasons why forgetting occurs.

There is sometimes difficulty in determining what is
actually an occurrence of forgetting and what is simply an inability to retrieve
information. However, there are several theories with regard to how forgetting
occurs.

Decay Theory-This theory asserts that a memory
trace is created every time some new experience occurs. This theory believes that over
time these traces fade and disappear. This makes it difficult to access and use the
trace which eventually makes the memory
disappear.

Interference Theory-this theory believes that
memories are made, and memories with very similar characteristics compete against each
other. Proactive Interference makes it difficult to remember new memories. Retroactive
Interference interferes with your ability to remember old
memories.

Failure to Store-This happens when encoding
fails, and those things that are meant to be stored in long-term memory are never
stored.

Motivated Forgetting-This happens when an
individual actively works to forget and eliminate traces of memories that are traumatic.
Rape, abuse, incest and other traumas would be subject to motivated
forgetting.