What is the "forgetting curve"?

The forgetting curve is a concept that illustrates the decline of memory retention over time. It was first introduced by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, who conducted experiments on memory retention and discovered that information is lost over time if no effort is made to retain it. The curve demonstrates that much of what we learn is forgotten soon after the initial learning, with the rate of forgetting slowing down after a certain period.

The graph typically shows a steep decline in memory retention shortly after learning, followed by a leveling off, indicating that while some information is quickly lost, what remains can be retained for longer periods with practice or review. Understanding the forgetting curve emphasizes the importance of spaced repetition and review in effective learning, highlighting how practicing retrieval of the material can enhance long-term retention. This aligns closely with how memory works, making it a foundational concept in cognitive psychology.