The Ebbinghaus forgetting curve is a graph illustrating the principle of storage decay, which shows how memory for new information declines over time. The graph plots 'Retention (%)' on the y-axis against 'Elapsed time since learning' on the x-axis. It demonstrates a rapid initial loss of memory, which then slows and levels out. According to the curve, retention is 100% immediately after learning but drops to approximately 55% after 20 minutes and 40% after an hour. The decline continues to about 30% retention after 24 hours, eventually stabilizing at around 10% after 31 days.

The Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve

In 1885, German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus pioneered the experimental study of memory. His methodology involved memorizing lists of nonsense syllables and then systematically measuring his own retention by testing his ability to relearn the lists at various time intervals. This work led to his discovery of the forgetting curve.

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There have been a number of psychologists who have contributed to the study of memory. These include:
- Karl Lashley
- Hermann Ebbinghaus 

Important Figures in Memory Research

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Hermann Ebbinghaus. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hermann-Ebbinghaus 

Hermann Ebbinghaus

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

https://kpu.pressbooks.pub/psychmethods4e/

KPU Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition

Karl Lashley was a psychologist who, about a century ago, investigated the physical basis of memory. His research methodology involved creating lesions, or intentional damage, in the cerebral cortex of animals like rats and monkeys. This was part of his pioneering search for the engram, the physical trace of a memory, which ultimately led to his formulation of the equipotentiality hypothesis.

Karl Lashley

Eric Kandel is a modern psychologist who has made significant progress in locating the physical traces of memory. He has spent decades studying the synapse and its critical role in controlling the flow of information through the neural circuits that are needed to store memories.

Eric Kandel

Endel Tulving is a notable cognitive psychologist who, along with his colleagues at the University of Toronto, conducted extensive research on memory. He is particularly known for his years-long study of patient K.C., whose case of severe amnesia provided significant insights into the functions of long-term memory.

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