This is a Lexicon entry: the mechanism, when it shows up, and the countermeasure. The full correction, with real-world cases and the audit prompt, hasn't been written yet.
Definition
A model illustrating how memory retention declines rapidly over time without reinforcement - most forgetting occurs within the first 24 hours, then levels off. The basis for spaced repetition learning.
When it shows up
After any learning session; when assessing whether you've retained new information. In expert witness testimony: when a specialist forgets what they did not know at the time of an event. In code documentation: when a developer cannot reconstruct the reasoning behind their own decisions three months later.
Failure mode
Cramming that produces short-term performance but long-term forgetting. Re-reading that feels like learning but produces minimal retention.
Countermeasure
Use spaced repetition. Accept the difficulty of spaced practice as the price of durable retention. Test yourself frequently rather than re-reading.
Related concepts
Also connected in the mapThe Lag Effect·The Serial Position Effect·Testing Effect·Crystallised Intelligence·Hebb’s Rule·The Google Effect
Origin
Also revealed
Entry #619 of 631 in The Lexicon · see the full Lexicon