Forgetting Curve
The exponential decay of memory retention over time.
Also known as: Memory decay
Category: Concepts
Tags: concepts, knowledge-management, learning, memories, psychology
Explanation
The Forgetting Curve, discovered by Hermann Ebbinghaus, describes how memory retention declines exponentially over time without reinforcement. Within 24 hours, you forget about 70% of new information; within a week, up to 90%. However, each review 'resets' and strengthens the memory, flattening the curve. This is why PKM is valuable - by externalizing knowledge, you don't need to rely on imperfect human memory. Your knowledge base becomes reliable external memory that never forgets.
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