According to Ebbinghaus, what happens to the rate of information loss over time during language learning?

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Study for the University of Central Florida EXP3604 Cognitive Psychology Final Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to prepare effectively. Ace your exam!

Ebbinghaus's research on memory and forgetting showed that the rate of information loss tends to slow down over time, particularly after the initial learning phase. This phenomenon is often illustrated by the forgetting curve, which reveals that immediately after learning new information, the rate of forgetting is steep. However, as time passes, the loss of information becomes less pronounced and occurs at a diminished rate. This means that while a significant amount of information may be forgotten quickly shortly after learning, the remainder tends to be retained for longer periods.

This understanding of memory retention is crucial in the context of language learning, as it highlights the importance of review and practice. Regularly revisiting the material can help reinforce memory and further slow down information loss, leading to better retention over time.