– how come we can remember lyrics of songs heard 10, maybe 20 years ago but we forget to remove the tea bag from the cup ?

Question

– how come we can remember lyrics of songs heard 10, maybe 20 years ago but we forget to remove the tea bag from the cup ?

In: 2868

Answer 1

We use the same word, “forget,” for losing song lyrics as for not removing the tea bag, but the processes are totally different. When you put in the tea bag, you segregate part of your working memory to store the instruction to remove it. Working memory dissipates after about 30 seconds unless you actively refresh it. When you hear a memorable song, it goes into long-term memory, which can last years but only presents itself to you when prompted.

Have you ever had an experience where you forget to remove the tea bag, but then later something reminds you and you remember planning to remove it? What happened there is that the “remove the tea bag” instruction dissipated from working memory but was copied into long-term memory, and something in your life prompted the copy to present itself to you.