Which process refers to information gradually fading from memory over time?

Memory decay is the process through which information gradually fades from memory over time, reflecting the natural limitations of human memory. This phenomenon is often explained by the understanding that memories can weaken if they are not retrieved or rehearsed regularly.

Memory decay is a fundamental concept in educational psychology and cognitive psychology, illustrating that retaining information requires active engagement and reinforcement. This fading process can be influenced by various factors, including the passage of time, interference from other memories, or a lack of encoding and retrieval efforts.

Other terms like "natural forgetting," "information loss," and "gradual amnesia" may relate to the concept of forgetting, but they do not specifically capture the essence of the gradual, time-dependent fading of memories as precisely as memory decay does. This distinction is important in understanding how memory works and the strategies that can be employed to improve retention.