Final answer:
Memory does not decay, but the cues and connections necessary for retrieval can weaken. To improve memory retrieval, one can strengthen these pathways through recall practice and the use of mnemonic devices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sometimes, the memory itself does not decay. Instead, what decays are the cues and connections that help us find our way to the stored memory.
This concept refers to the challenges we face when retrieving information from our memory storage. Retrieval cues are essential as they act as reminders that can trigger the recollection of a memory. The connections could be neural pathways that have weakened over time or been disrupted by interference, making it difficult to locate a memory trace within the complex network of the brain. Regularly strengthening these connections through recall practices, such as testing oneself, can help maintain the integrity of these pathways and increase the longevity of memories. Moreover, mnemonic devices can be valuable tools to create stronger and more accessible links to the information stored in our long-term memory.