Final answer:
The discrepancy between intersession and retention intervals is influenced by memory trace decay and interference, affecting memory retention. Studies have shown short-term memory decays quickly and is subject to interference, while long-term memory has higher retention capabilities. Physics principles like relativity also indicate that perceived time intervals can vary with the observer's relative motion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discrepancy of intersession interval and retention interval can be explained by factors such as memory trace decay and interference, which affect how well information is maintained in the short-term and long-term memory. Intersession intervals refer to the time between learning sessions, while retention intervals pertain to the time between learning and when information is retrieved. Memory trace decay indicates that the memory trace becomes less activated over time, leading to forgetting. Meanwhile, interference comes in two types, proactive and retroactive, which can either inhibit new learning due to old information or hinder recall of older information due to newer learning, respectively.
Long-term memory storage is considered nearly unlimited in capacity, and its organization plays a critical role in retrieval. Conversely, short-term memory is much more limited and susceptible to quicker decay and interference. Studies by Peterson and Peterson (1959) and Keppel and Underwood (1962) demonstrated how short-term memory decays rapidly without rehearsal and how proactive interference from previous learning can impact new info. In contrast, relative motion and simultaneity in physics suggest that time measurement can vary based on the observer's motion, illuminating another dimension of how time intervals can be perceived or measured differently.